South Africa’s third largest area is steeped in history but
prefers to keep its eye on the present and future

fficially recognised as
one of the New 7
Wonder Cities in 2015,
Durban’s modern
contrast to much of
South Africa’s traditional and historical
beauty has made it a leading
destination for tourists and business
delegates alike.
As part of the eThekwini Metropolitan
Municipality - a name aptly deriving from
the itheku word for lagoon - the city has
been able to leverage its natural location
on the coast to become a harbour port
of business renown, a seafront hotspot
up there with the best in the world, and
a central business district comfortably
able to leverage off the two former
factors.

30

Its subtropical climate inevitably adds
to its pull from a tourism perspective,
but as one of the largest metropolitan
land areas in the country, and with
a bustling port on-site, its business
acumen is every bit as prominent;
making it a genuine city for all seasons.
The busiest container port in Africa,
Durban’s appeal is all-encompassing
and, upon arrival, a setting of rolling
hills, stunning coastline and welcoming
people ensures an enjoyable
experience for all business travellers
fortunate enough to visit the city.
As durbanexperience.co.za
elaborates, “Durban is a natural
paradise known for its gorgeous
coastline of sun-kissed beaches and
subtropical climate, situated on the

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Don’t let the natural aesthetic
and coastal environment fool you
though; Durban is every bit an
industrial success as Johannesburg
and Cape Town, epitomised by its
status as the second most important
manufacturing hub in the country.
Boasting a large and diversified
economy across this domain,
transportation, finance and
Governmental sectors, Durban
subsequently has the highest
number of millionaires; a number
which has especially risen since the
turn of the century.
As such, Durban is the main
economic driver in its province of
KwaZulu-Natal, contributing more
than half of its output, employment
and income. And once again
addressing areas of
modernity, this enhanced
economic status has been
plugged straight back
into the community,
developing large
swathes of the
region to make
it - arguably - the
most refined and
contemporary
city on the
continent.
Recent
infrastructural
improvements
have included
the complete
revitalisation of
the Durban Point
Waterfront, a clean-up
project of the business
district and, of course, the
construction of the Moses
Mabidha Stadium for the 2010
FIFA World Cup; an event which has

eastern seaboard of
Africa”.
It continues: “The
City is built around
one of the busiest
ports in Africa and
our people are
our pride. The city
focuses on providing
visitors with a unique
set of experiences that
go beyond the beach and
into the realm of Durban’s
diverse culture, urban
lifestyle and scenic diversity.
“Whether you here as a
business delegate or a leisure
traveller there is a warm African flavour
that will capture your heart forever.”

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The Business End

Writer: Matthew Staff

Durban

T

Facts and figures

Country:

South Africa

Municipality:

eThekwini

Province:

KwaZulu-Natal

Languages:

English, Zulu

Area:

2,292 square kilometres

Population (2011): 3.4 million
Currency:

Rand

Climate:

Humid subtropical

Highest recorded
temperature:
43.7ºC (29.12.2014)
Dialling code:

+27

Internet TLD:

.za

Website:

www.durban.gov.za

incidentally taken the Municipality to
even more impressive heights in the
past decade.
Now rated as a Gamma-level
global city, its quality and diversity
of accommodation has enhanced
simultaneously, keeping in mind both
ends of the spectrum; from the swells
of high-earning executives dwelling
and visiting the city, to the surfers and
domestic tourists looking for a quick albeit impressive - holiday.

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around the world, and has subsequently
significance like so many national cores
been lauded for its deep historical
1886. As such, the area has never
day El Dorado upon its discovery in
gold mining hub described as a modern
fortune - derives from its origins as a
three capital cities, its fame - and
Despite not being one of South Africa’s
renowned representative.
country’ largest city and most globallyaccolades, as the
nearly all of the
Africa’s official titles but
barely any of South
ohannesburg claims

overhaul of older buildings into newer
and what seems like a continuous
Comprising numerous CBDs
present and to the future.
the city serves as a glimpse of the
these pivotal eras - but on the whole,
and museum array that still allude to
elements of Joburg’s infrastructure
positive at times - and there are
this depiction has been less than
Of course, in more recent history,
generations.
wider country’s maturity over the
depicting the current status of the
and visitors alike; its image perfectly
become the modern option for locals

Xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
MAP

Our Business Travel section not only gives
executives the complete guide to the world’s most
popular and populous locations, but also gives said
locations the perfect opportunity to showcase their
own businesses, events, venues and services to a
truly international audience and readership of more
than 165,000 each month.
system based on a
Rea Vaya bus rapid
recently unveiled
city, and its more
outside of the
Gautrain link
system, its
commuter rail
Metrorail Gauteng
minibus taxis, to its
from metered and
for by everything
African hub; catered
than in any other South
and speedily is now easier
landscape efficiently, safely
ability to get around the vast
International Airport, the
Upon arriving at OR Tambo
system.
so too did the city’s internal transport
entertainment became more refined,
fine dining and globally appealing
sprawl; and as Joberg’s approach to
benefitted from the city’s urban
areas such as Soweto and Alexandra
Constitution Hill found their feet; as
the Apartheid Museum and
However, as landmarks including
over the years.
visitors and the surrounding cities
role as a link between international
even more refined; having played its
long-haul transport infrastructure is
in the tourism stakes, means that its
lags behind Cape Town and Durban
Ironically, the fact that Johannesburg

Johannesburg

Writer: Matthew Staff

development
been one borne out of concerted business acumen and
modernity, Johannesburg’s road to global recognition has
Evolving from a mining nucleus to a role model of economic

J O H A N N E S B U R G

27

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

destination.
thrive as a popular business travel
still has more than enough to
in Cape Town and Durban, it
the scale of its neighbours
into tourist prosperity on
necessarily transcended
and while this has not
and cultural hubs,
leading industrial
one of the world’s
recognition as
of its global
an indictment
city skyline is
constructs, the

extensive collection of freeways.
branching out to the country’s most
the Johannesburg Ring Road, and
equally benefit to this day; initially via
the rest of the country, and visitors
network over the decades as a link to
had to build an extensive highway
As an inland city, Johannesburg has
is the plain and simple open road.
Topping all of those options though,
smartcard payment system.
temperature:
41.4°C
Highest recorded
Climate:

Subtropical highland

Time zone:

UTC+2

Currency:

Rand

GDP:

US$83.9 billion

Population (2011): 4.4 million
Area:

335 square kilometres

Languages:

Xhosa
English, Zulu, Afrikaans,

Country:

South Africa

Facts and figures

Transport links

To share in this unrivalled exposure and to put
your own offering on our map, then please contact
our Sales Managers, Joe Palliser or Ryan Gray
to find out more.
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+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672

W E L C O M E
Forethought over Reflection
The end of each year presents
companies, executives, analysts and
entrepreneurs the perfect opportunity
Metorex is consolidating its position as a
mid-tier mining Group in Southern Africa
to look back at the 12 months that
through a concerted balance between present
day innovation, and future sustainability
were; the successes, the failures, the
lessons learnt and the challenges
overcome.
But in this month’s edition, we
choose to look forward to 2017 instead,
and we have teamed up with a host of
experts and enterprises doing exactly
the same.
Leading the way is a Company
who has always adopted a long-term
perspective in the form of sub-Saharan
African mining specialist, Metorex. Its evolution over the past 40-years has
been one derived of forward-planning and innovative forecasting, and since its
purchase at the hands of Jinchuan Group in 2013, its ability to keep ahead of the
industry curve has been enhanced even further.
One thing that Metorex does finalise though as we come to the end of 2016
is our focus on the 2017 Investing in African Mining Indaba event; which has
made-up a two month project for Africa Outlook in analysing the key topics to
be discussed at the forum and the leading exponents attending the exhibition.
Completing this foray alongside Metorex is mining hoist manufacturer, Winder
Controls.
This month’s front-of-book section continues along the theme of forethought
- over reflection - as we look towards a more positive outlook for South Africa’s
economy, West Africa’s new catalyst in the form of the Morocco-Nigeria gas
pipeline, and the potential significance of East Africa’s largest solar plant which
has recently opened in Uganda.
Elsewhere among our showcasing assortment, the food & drink segment is
extensively catered for via Citydia Nigeria and
Vital Health Foods; we take a ride with Southern
African aviation specialists, Solenta Aviation;
and Thos Begbie joins Winder Controls in the
industrial engineering domain.
And finally, we look into the work that the
Water Industry of South Africa is carrying out in
making the country’s utilities more sustainable;
and the backing that member companies such as
S.A.M.E. Group are giving the association.
Enjoy the issue, happy holidays, and see you
Matthew Staff
Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing
in 2017!

NWK AGRI-SERVICES
ZAMBIA
Grow With Us
Changing with the times in
Zambian agriculture

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32GI
Clean and Simple
Success
Focusing on health

122

POWER & ELECTRICITY
WORLD AFRICA 2017

Africa’s longest running and
largest power and energy show

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the Soroti Solar Plant, and I hope this is
only just the beginning for many more
to come.”
Reda El Chaar, Executive Chairman,
Access Power declared, “We are
thrilled to have been given the
opportunity to work with our
European and Ugandan partners
Made up of 32,680 photovoltaic panels, the new 10 megawatt
to bring to reality this flagship solar
facility is the country’s first grid-connected solar plant and will
power plant. Soroti raises the bar
on what can be achieved through
generate clean, low-carbon, sustainable electricity to 40,000
teamwork and we look forward to
homes, schools and businesses in the area.
more collaborative efforts to expand
The project was developed under
form of result-based premium payments the footprint of clean energy across
the Global Energy Transfer Feed
this mighty continent.”
per kWh of delivered electricity.
in Tariff ‘GET FiT’, a dedicated
The project is financed by a mix of
Linda Broekhuizen, CIO of FMO
support scheme for renewable
debt and equity with the senior debt
Dutch development bank, underlines
energy projects managed by
the importance of the project:
facility being provided by FMO, the
Germany’s KfW Development
“FMO is a proud supporter of this
Netherlands Development Bank, and
Bank in partnership with Uganda’s
the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund project. Renewable energy projects
Electricity Regulatory Agency (ERA) (EAIF).
like these are fully in line with our
and funded by the governments
The H.E. Ambassador Kristian
aim to positively affect peoples’
of Norway, Germany, the United
lives by supporting development,
Schmidt, European Union Head of
Kingdom and the European Union.
Delegation to Uganda said in his speech: creating jobs and providing clean and
The GET FiT programme helps
sustainable energy to Uganda.”
“Uganda is a good place to invest in
renewable energy sources become
solar energy. The regulatory framework
Located on a 33 acre plot of land in
more affordable and therefore
is conducive and Government rightly
Soroti District, the power plant has
more accessible in Eastern Africa.
the potential to increase its net output
recognises Uganda’s energy future
The US$19 million Soroti Solar Plant must be renewable. It is great that
capacity by a further 20MW of solar
is in part funded by the European
energy. At peak construction the plant
this is now triggering private sector
Union - Africa Infrastructure Trust
interest in solar power generation. The
had over 120 local workers involved,
Fund through the GET FiT Solar Facility European Union is proud that our grant including engineers recruited and
equivalent to 8.7 million Euros in the
trained by Access Power and EREN RE.
contribution ensures the realisation of

ENERGY & UTILITES

East Africa’s Largest Solar
Plant Starts Operations

8

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TECHNOLOGY

Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi and
Addis Ababa cope with the influx of
inhabitants.
“There is an opportunity for
government as well as the private

sector to roll out services for digital
access and use, exactly as they
do with traditional basic services
infrastructure,” says Dall’Omo.
For us, digitalisation means using
new technologies like data analytics,
the cloud and the Internet of Things
to merge the virtual and real worlds.
This enables us to offer our customers
substantial productivity increases
across their entire value chain, from
design and engineering to sales,
production and service.
In concrete terms, this means
faster time-to-market, greater
flexibility and enhanced availability
of our products and systems for our
customers.
While the larger and more
developed economies tend to be
more digitally mature the analysis
shows there are many indicators that
can influence a country’s ability to
capitalise on digitalisation. If done
correctly it can drive entrepreneurial
competition in market.

and remittances from Zimbabweans
overseas, both of which fell this year.
Mugabe, 92, has been in power since
independence from Britain in 1980. But
he is under pressure over an 80 percentplus unemployment rate and corruption
and has personally nixed attempts to cut
the bloated civil service.
With banks running out of money,
he has introduced an unpopular “bond
note” currency that is meant to ease
the liquidity crunch but which many

Zimbabweans fear will cause a return to
hyperinflation.
For next year, he forecasts moderate
growth of 1.7 percent due to improved
commodity exports, as well as a smaller
deficit.
“The fundamental challenge remains
that of under-production, entirely across
all sectors of the economy,” he said,
adding that it was imperative that Harare,
seen as a pariah in global financial circles,
patched up ties with the outside world.

Digitalisation Set to
Develop Africa
Siemens has conducted an African
Digitalisation Maturity Report to
better determine a digitalisation
benchmark across four countries
namely South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya
and Ethiopia as well as key vertical
industries including transport,
manufacturing and energy.
CEO Siemens Southern Africa
Sabine Dall’Omo says the four
countries were selected as some
of the fastest growing economies
in Africa, as well as having made
great strides in ICT (Information
and Communications Technology)
adoption.
“Africa’s rapid urbanisation
represents an immense opportunity
for the extension of ICT and
improvement of digital maturity
to help urban hubs such as

Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO, Siemens Southern Africa

ECONOMY

Zimbabwe’s Yawning
Deficit Keeps heat on
Mugabe
Zimbabwe’s economy has stagnated
this year while its budget deficit has
exploded, the Government said,
adding to President Robert Mugabe’s
problems as he faces unprecedented
protests over cash shortages and
falling living standards.
In his annual budget address, Finance
Minister, Patrick Chinamasa halved
his 2016 economic growth estimate to
0.6 percent and said the budget deficit
would widen to $1.18 billion; eight times
his November 2015 forecast of $150
million.
Chinamasa said the country was
facing “a number of headwinds”,
including a lack of investment flows

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TECHNOLOGY

Canon Celebrates
Second Miraisha
Sustainability
Programme
Anniversary
Canon Europe, leader in imaging,
celebrates a significant milestone
for one of its core sustainability
programmes, Miraisha, as it reaches
its two-year anniversary. The
programme, which is run closely with
Canon Central & North Africa, has
trained more than 2,500 participants
since its inception in 2014, aims to
promote job opportunities in Africa by
offering workshops to photographers,
videographers, film-makers and print
business owners.
Miraisha, which means future
livelihood, ‘Mirai’ being future in
Japanese and ‘Maisha’ being livelihood
in Swahili, provides people with the skills
to develop their careers in professional
photography or print by utilising
Canon’s core expertise in imaging
and its network of professionals.
Initiatives range from fashion and street
photography classes to filmmaking
workshops and print training for SMEs.
Stuart Poore, Director of
Sustainability at Canon Europe
commented: “The Miraisha programme
truly embodies our corporate
philosophy of Kyosei: living and working
together for the common good.”

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O I L & G A S

World Bank Units
Add to Ghana Oil and
Gas Project
The World Bank Group will provide
another $517 million to Ghana in
debt and guarantees to support the
$7.7 billion Sankofa oil & gas project
developed by Italy’s ENI SpA and
upstream trader Vitol Ghana.
The financing adds to a $700
million World Bank guarantee
package announced in July and
brings the institution’s total
O I L & G A S

Nigeria Flags
Oil Output Rise
Nigeria’s oil production has
risen to close to 1.8 million
barrels per day (bpd), oil
minister, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu said
ahead of the expected signing of a
deal over repayments of US $5.1 billion
in debt from joint venture projects.
Nigeria has struggled with debt to
oil majors amid the fall in oil prices
over the past two years. It has also
been hit by output falls from peak
production of 2.2 million bpd as a
result of persistent militant attacks in
the oil-producing Niger Delta.
The Forcados crude stream, with
roughly 300,000 bpd, has been under
force majeure since February, and

financing to around $1.217 billion
for the offshore project, whose gas
component is set to open in 2018, a
statement said.
The Bank’s commercial lending
arm, the International Finance
Corporation (IFC), has committed a
loan of $235 million to Vitol Ghana
and is arranging another $65 million
in debt.
“Sankofa is expected to generate
$2.3 billion in revenues for Ghana’s
government per year and provide
a stable, long-term source of
domestic gas that will solve Ghana’s
chronic gas supply constraints,” an
IFC statement said.
in the third quarter production was
roughly 1.63 million bpd, according to
the country’s statistics office.
The OPEC member nation’s fight
to regain oil production enabled
it to gain an exemption from a
recent deal between the group and
other oil producers to cut output to
support prices.

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F I N A N C E

RETAIL

Shoprite in Talks to
Create African Retail
Giant

Old Mutual to Cut
Stake in Asset
Management Arm

Africa’s biggest grocery retailer
Shoprite is in talks with Steinhoff
about buying its African assets in an
all-share deal that would create a
group with $15 billion in annual sales,
the pair said.
The deal, whose value was not
disclosed, would form a no-frills retailer
spanning food, furniture and clothes
and underline the determination of
tycoon Christo Wiese to put more of his
assets under one roof.
Both Shoprite and Steinhoff, the

Financial services Group, Old Mutual
Plc said it would sell 13 million shares
in its OM Asset Management Plc
arm through a public offering, as it
prepares to split into its four main
businesses.
The proposed split was revealed
in March as regulatory changes in
Europe and South Africa have made Old
Mutual, which started out in 1845 as a
life insurance firm in Cape Town, more
complex to run in its current form.
“Old Mutual intends to continue the
reduction of its holdings in OMAM in an
orderly manner which balances value,
cost, time and risk,” the Company said
on Tuesday.

O I L & G A S

Dangote Reach
Natural Gas Supply
Deal
Nigeria and Tanzania’s Dangote
Cement have settled on a deal which
will supply its $500 million cement
factory with natural gas.
Tanzania and Nigeria’s Dangote
Cement have reached a deal on the
supply of natural gas to the firm’s

owner of UK’s Poundland and U.S.
based mattress firm, count South
African retail magnate Wiese as their
biggest shareholder.
“It will certainly change the retail
environment in South Africa because
these are two major groups getting
together.”
manufacturing plant in the East
African country after negotiations
stalled over prices, Tanzanian
President, John Magufuli said.
“Dangote Cement will now
buy natural gas directly from the
state-run TPDC instead of going
through middlemen,” Magufuli told
journalists after the meeting.
The Company plans to roll out
plants across Africa. In Tanzania,
Dangote is seeking to double the
country’s annual output of cement to
six million tonnes.

H E A LT H C A R E

Novartis Launches
SMS for Life 2.0 in
Nigeria
Novartis announced the launch of
an innovative technology-based
healthcare programme called SMS
for Life 2.0 in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The programme aims to increase the
availability of essential medicines and
improve care for patients across the
region by using simple, available, and
affordable technology. SMS for Life
2.0 is a joint public-private partnership
led by Novartis and supported by its
partners, the Kaduna State Ministry of
Health and Vodacom.
“Novartis is proud to partner with
the Kaduna State Ministry of Health to
implement the first ever SMS for Life
2.0 program,” said Joseph Jimenez,
CEO of Novartis. “Companies must
join forces with the public sector to
co-create innovative solutions to
improve access to healthcare around
the world.”

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East Africa’s Largest
Solar Plant Helps
Uganda to ‘Get Fit’
As far as 2016 success stories go, a solution to the need for cleaner and more sustainable
power on the continent is an announcement worth heralding
Written by: Matthew Staff

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onorable D’Ujanga Simon, Minister of State
for Energy - together with representatives
of Access Power, EREN RE and donors have celebrated the inauguration of East
Africa’s largest solar power plant in Soroti,
Uganda; a success story to end a year
where power generation has
been one of the continent’s
primary concerns and
talking points.
Made up of
32,680

G

Y

photovoltaic panels, the new 10 megawatt facility is the
country’s first grid-connected solar plant and will generate
clean, low-carbon, sustainable electricity to 40,000 homes,
schools and businesses in the area.
The project was developed under the Global Energy
Transfer Feed in Tariff (“GET FiT”) initiative, a dedicated
support scheme for renewable energy projects managed
by Germany’s KfW Development Bank in partnership with
Uganda’s Electricity Regulatory Agency (ERA) and funded
by the governments of Norway, Germany, the UK and the
European Union. The GET FiT programme helps renewable
energy sources become more affordable and therefore
more accessible in Eastern Africa.
The US$19 million Soroti Solar Plant is in part funded
by the European Union-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund
through the GET FiT Solar Facility equivalent to €8.7
million in the form of result-based premium
payments per kWh of delivered electricity.
The project is financed by a mix of
debt and equity with the senior
debt facility being provided
by FMO, the Netherlands
Development Bank, and
the Emerging Africa

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E A S T A F R I C A’ S L A R G E S T S O L A R P L A N T

Infrastructure Fund (EAIF).
The inauguration ceremony was
attended by Uganda’s Minister of
State for Energy; Ambassadors from
the EU, Germany and the Netherlands;
key stakeholders from Access Power
and EREN RE; TSK, the contractor
who built the plant; FMO and Private
Infrastructure Development Group
(PIDG) company, The Emerging Africa
Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) as financiers;
and other key officials.
Located on a 33 acre plot of land in
Soroti District, the power plant has
the potential to increase its net output
capacity by a further 20MW of solar
energy. At peak construction the plant
had over 120 local workers involved,
including engineers recruited and
trained by Access Power and EREN RE.
Following the plant’s opening, a host
of industry experts and associated
personnel shared their feelings on the
facility, its potential impact, and its
sector context in an industry in need of
a success story:

H.E. Ambassador
Kristian Schmidt,
European Union
Head of Delegation
to Uganda
“Uganda is a good place to
invest in solar energy. The
regulatory framework is
conducive and Government
rightly recognises Uganda’s
energy future must be
renewable. It is great that
this is now triggering private
sector interest in solar power
generation. The European
Union is proud that our grant
contribution ensures the
realisation of the Soroti Solar
Plant, and I hope this is only
just the beginning for many
more to come.”

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David Corchia, CEO,
EREN RE

ERA Chief Executive
Officer, Eng. Ziria
Tibalwa
“The Access Solar Uganda
10MW grid connected solar
P.V project we are launching
is so far the largest in the
East African region. We are
so proud of this outcome of
our stable and favourable
regulatory environment that
has produced such a leading
project in the East African
Region. We congratulate
Access Solar and the
people of Uganda upon this
milestone.”

“Soroti solar plant is an
excellent textbook example
of how collaboration among
key local and international
stakeholders can result in
the successful execution
and completion of such a
groundbreaking project and
in tangible progress in the
spread of renewable energy
across Africa.
“We wish to express our
gratitude and thanks to the
organisations and individuals
who made the construction
of the largest solar power
plant in East Africa possible.
As a global renewable energy
Independent Power Producer
we take this opportunity to
reaffirm our commitment
to the African power sector
and we look forward to
replicating this model in
many other African countries
in other districts in Uganda
and across the region.”

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An aerial shot of the Soreti-based plant

Jennie Barugh,
Head DFID Uganda
“As an outward-looking
nation, the UK fully supports
Uganda in its effort to
become a middle-income
country, with bilateral
support of £110 million this
year. Power is an important
enabler of development.
GET FiT has helped to
demonstrate the success of
private sector-led renewable
energy projects; reducing
costs to the government and
increasing supply to help the
people of Uganda to improve
livelihoods and economic
empowerment, especially for
women and girls, so they can
stand on their own two feet.
“Uganda has led the way in
this sector and we expect
other African nations to
learn from and build on the
successes of GET FiT. The
Soroti plant is also one of
the eight renewable energy
projects in Uganda to have
benefited from the UK Aid
supported Emerging Africa
Infrastructure Fund (EAIF),
part of the multilateral
Private Infrastructure
Development Group (PIDG).
The UK is committed to
supporting and improving
the lives of Ugandans –
with the vast majority
living without access to
clean modern energy –
helping Uganda leave aid
dependency behind.”

Reda El Chaar,
Executive Chairman,
Access Power
“We are thrilled to have
been given the opportunity
to work with our European
and Ugandan partners to
bring to reality this flagship
solar power plant. Soroti
raises the bar on what can be
achieved through teamwork
and we look forward to more
collaborative efforts to
expand the footprint of clean
energy across this mighty
continent.”

Linda Broekhuizen,
CIO of FMO Dutch
Development Bank
FMO is a proud supporter
of this project. Renewable
energy projects like these
are fully in line with our
aim to positively affect
peoples’ lives by supporting
development, creating
jobs and providing clean
and sustainable energy to
Uganda.”

Oscar Kang’oro,
a Non-Executive
Director of the
Emerging Africa
Infrastructure Fund
(EAIF)
“EAIF is fully engaged in
Uganda and, to date, has
financed eight renewable
energy projects in the
country, including Soroti.
I particularly want to
congratulate Access and
EREN on their vision and
enterprise. Our funders at
the UK Government’s DFID,
at The Netherlands’ DGIS,
Switzerland’s SECO and
Sweden’s SIDA, see the
great benefits that small
and renewable generating
capacity can bring,
particularly in rural and semirural areas.
“This can unlock economic
potential, create new
economic development
opportunities, grow the
productivity of public
services and improve energy
security. Most importantly,
the arrival in a district of
more dependable and more
affordable electricity can
transform and enhance the
lives of many thousands of
men, women and children.”

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E C O N O M I C

D E V E LO P M E N T

P I P E L I N E

Economic

Development
in the Pipeline

A new partnership between Ithmar Capital, Moroccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sovereign Wealth Fund, and the
Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority will support a new Morocco-Nigeria trans-African gas
pipeline in the region Writer: Matthew Staff

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n a major initiative to
strengthen the West
African economy, the
Kingdom of Morocco
and Federal Republic of
Nigeria have announced that they will
jointly develop a new regional gas
pipeline connecting the two countries,
bringing the resources of Nigeria to
Morocco, its neighbours and Europe.
The Trans-African Pipeline project
was announced during a Royal
visit to Nigeria by His Majesty, King
Mohammed VI, of Morocco, with
President Muhammadu Buhari of
Nigeria, and is designed to stimulate
large-scale economic growth across
the region.
By accelerating the electrification of
the region, the Trans-African Pipeline
will improve access to energy across

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The TransAfrican
Pipeline
Project

was announced
during a Royal
visit to Nigeria by
His Majesty, King
Mohammed VI,
of Morocco

West Africa. This will help address
one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most significant
barriers to development; the lack
of affordable energy. In addition,
the project will strengthen energy
exports to Europe, linking Nigerian
gas to the European energy market
through Morocco.
In West Africa, the Trans-African
Pipeline is designed to support the
creation of industrial hubs that
attract foreign investment. The
project will therefore facilitate
the expansion of sectors ranging
from industry to food processing
to fertilisers and improve the
competitiveness of exports,
particularly amongst African
countries. Currently, intra-continent

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E C O N O M I C

D E V E LO P M E N T

A joint statement from King
Mohammed VI of Morocco
and President Muhammadu
Buhari of Nigeria
“As a major project meant to boost
regional economic integration, the
pipeline will be designed with the
participation of all concerned parties with
the aim of speeding up electrification
projects in the whole region, serving as
a basis to set up a competitive regional
market for electricity, likely to be linked
to the European market of energy, to
develop integrated industrial hubs in
the sub-region in sectors as industry,
food-processing and fertilizers; in order
to draw foreign capital, improve the
competitiveness of exports and spur
local transformation of natural resources
available for national and international
markets.
“Important business opportunities
will be generated by this project for
manufacturers and investors.
“By promoting economic integration,
based on positive complementarities,
sustainable synergies and inclusive
approaches, this south-south platform will
step up structural transformation
of the region’s national
economies, putting
all the region on the
path of a stronger
growth.”

Above, President Muhammadu
Buhari of Nigeria and right, King
Mohammed VI of Morocco

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P I P E L I N E

trade accounts for only 17 percent
of African countries’ international
trade, much lower than in Asia or
Europe, in part because trade costs
between African countries are often
comparatively higher.
Designed with the participation of
all concerned parties with the aim of
speeding up electrification projects
in the region, the project will also
establish a competitive regional market
for electricity, likely to be linked to the
European market of energy. It will also
spur local transformation of natural
resources available for national and
international markets.

Work with all countries

The project will be considered through
new collaboration between Ithmar
Capital, the Moroccan sovereign
wealth fund, and the Nigeria Sovereign
Investment Authority (NSIA). The
two funds announced the signing of a
Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA)
and a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU), which will see their countries
cooperate on bilateral investment for
the first time in recent history.
“The pipeline will run an estimated
4,000 kilometres along
the west coast of
Africa,” Ithmar
Capital noted.
“The countries
through which
it runs and

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“Morocco and Nigeria are
eager to work with all countries
in West Africa to ensure their
economies and people
benefit from the project”

S

active involvement in the Green
Growth Investment Fund (GGIF)
Africa, an initiative to catalyse Africa’s
transition to a green economy.
GGIF Africa was launched during
the UN Framework Convention
on Climate Change Conference on
Parties (COP22), held in November
in Marrakech. It aims to accelerate
regional growth by attracting foreign
investors interested in Africa who seek
responsible, sustainable opportunities.

A major commitment

The countries
through which the
pipeline will run and the
exact route will be
determined as the
project moves forward,
based on further
research

Together, the two agreements
will create a formal structure to
build relationships and create new
opportunities between businesses
in Morocco and Nigeria. They also
represent a major commitment by
two of Africa’s largest economies
to collaborate on regional initiatives
that will continue the continent’s
development.
The Nigerian Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Dr Geoffrey Onyema, stated:
“This South-South open platform will
accelerate the structural transformation
of the national economies of the region,
thereby putting the entire region on a
the exact route will be determined as
higher growth path.
the project moves forward, based on
“The two Heads of State agreed to
further research.
set up a Bilateral Coordination Body
“Morocco and Nigeria are eager to
to monitor this important project
work with all countries in West Africa
and commended such a strategic
to ensure their economies and people cooperation in Africa.”
benefit from the project.”
The new collaboration between
Under the SPA, Ithmar Capital
Morocco and Nigeria is intended to set a
and NSIA have committed to jointly
model for South-South cooperation and
pursue investment in strategic sectors act as a catalyst for African economic
including food security, renewable
opportunities. It aligns with His Majesty,
energy and infrastructure. The SPA also King Mohammed VI’s regional strategy,
commits the two institutions to share
in which he has declared that Africa is
knowledge and expertise relating to
the top priority in Morocco’s foreign
the extractives sector, to collaborate
policy and that the Kingdom will
on research and best practices, and
contribute to economic, social services
to provide policy guidance in order to
and human development projects that
strengthen both countries’ capacity to directly improve the lives of people in
the region.
manage natural resources.
Similarly, the MOU provides for a
This includes on projects related
broader alliance framework between
to the energy sector and, notably,
the two entities: It ensures Nigeria’s
sustainable and green projects.

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S E C T O R

F O C U S

Economic
Confidence Builds

Signs of positive economic growth in South Africa are emerging as we look forward towards 2017
Writer: Phoebe Calver

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mongst the easing of
South Africa’s drought
and the rise in
commodity prices, the
country’s economy is
showing signs of rejuvenation; despite
still falling short of the necessary
investor confidence needed to grow at
a higher rate.
Jeffrey Schultz, economist at BNP
Paribas, wrote in a note that he
expected growth in South Africa to
gain speed in 2017, but the trends
in gross domestic fixed investment
remain concerning.
The sort of investments that Schultz
is referring to is normally related to
capital spending, such as buying new
machinery for future production, with
the private sector making up almost
two-thirds of the gross domestic fixed
investment contribution to GDP.
“A lack of policy coherence and
increasingly uncertain political
environment continue to weigh
on both the willingness and ability
of domestic corporate to invest
meaningfully in the economy,” said
Schultz.
The Johannesburg all share-stock
market has experienced an upward
trajectory of more than 90 percent
since the recession in 2008, however,
even with such healthy balance sheets,
companies have still been reluctant to
invest in South Africa. Similarly, even
more developed economies such as
Japan, the United States and United
Kingdom have been suffering a similar
issue.
Despite lacklustre growth and the
unsettling political noise currently
in South Africa, Schultz still expects
growth to accelerate, boosted mainly
by improvements in agriculture and
higher commodity prices. Combined
with those factors, Southern Africa
is currently recovering from its worst
drought in history which has wilted
crops and stoked food inflation in the
country.
However, the outlook for 2017

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S E C T O R

F O C U S

is looking more positive, with the
country expected to incur much
slower inflation rates due to the
Central Bank having the room and
ability to keep interest rates stable at
seven percent for the duration.
For South Africa, recovery will not
be an immediate reaction to these
events; it is predicted to begin its
rebound in 2017 with the long-term
picture showing the country going
from strength to strength in 2018, with
the primary driving force being the
investments that have been missing
up to this point.

Even with the emergence of
these positive forecasts, the current
situation still remains difficult, with
limited scope for falling inflation due
to the persistency of Southern Africa’s
drought which continues to drive up
food prices.
The country’s recent struggles with
investment numbers plummeting,
persistent drought and political
uncertainty has culminated in a severe
lack of private investments for the
country, with the past six consecutive
quarters having recorded negative or
zero growth.
Since 2015, the Government
has made continual attempts to
demonstrate a commitment to
curbing its spending, with a strict
consolidation plan being implemented
to limit the deficit and stabilise the
public debt witnessed.

Structural reforms

Looking forward, it is clear that
massive reforms to South Africa’s
financial structure will need to be
put in place; it could be suggested
that favouring the development of
small and medium sized enterprises
(SMEs) could boost the productivity,

‘... favouring the development
of small and medium sized enterprises
(SMEs) could boost the productivity,
employment and living
standards within the
country’

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employment and living standards
within the country. However, growth
will need to accelerate otherwise both
unemployment and inequality will
continue to remain at a
particularly high level.
Now with a rise in
investment hopes, in order
to improve the effectiveness
of its spending and investment
placement, the Government will
need to consolidate its efforts as
there is still room to increase the
efficiency of its expenditure.
The incredibly high levels
of unemployment which are
continuously rising call for bold
measures to be taken in the form of
structural reforms which should, in
turn, boost the economy while also

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E

Having been confronted by
members of the National Executive
Committee (NEC), there is the
suggestion that confidence could be
restored and the economy boosted
if he was to step down before 2019.
In order for the market to recover
positively, exchange rates to
improve and inflation to lower, a new
Government would need to ensure
an investor friendly environment is
created free of corruption.

Political uncertainty

creating job opportunities.
Alongside this, increasing network
competition and lowering both the
restrictions and licensing costs in service
sectors could open up entrepreneurial
opportunities which in turn could lead to
higher employment. The development
of entrepreneurship through vocational
teaching, higher levels of training
and better access to finance is a key
factor in reducing the high structural
unemployment in South Africa.
In the future a push to higher levels
of economic growth will lead to more
fiscal space for the Government, again
helping to reduce unemployment
rates. However, this can only happen
with a mass influx of investment being
poured into the country.
While it is suffering in the

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;In order for the
market to recover
positively, exchange
rates to improve and
inflation to lower,
a new Government
would need to
ensure an investor
friendly environment
is created free of
corruptionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
unfortunate consequences of a low
growth trap, many are looking to the
lack of confidence in the Jacob Zuma
Government as a huge contributor to
the lack of investment in South Africa.

Improvements to infrastructure
and a particular focus on electricity
production will play a big part in reboosting confidence in the country,
however this does largely rely on the
dissipation of the political uncertainties
which are currently taking place.
Confidence is a defining factor in
enabling economic growth, even if, in
the near future, it is only modest, the
improvements in confidence are due
to pick up.
Improvements to electricity
capacity in South Africa should
bolster the investments coming into
the country. Combined with the
recent positive trend being seen in
commodity prices and development
of the rand, export numbers should
theoretically be raised.
Growth and employment
improvements in South Africa
could be enhanced by the
implementation of an allencompassing structural reform
strategy; specifically involving
its approach to achieving more
competition in the product market,
better and more inclusive labour
market policies, industrial relations, and
overall improvements to education and
training.
Although these reforms are complex
and require a lot of effort to yield
positive growth, no matter how long
it takes, in the short-term confidence
should improve and South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
economy should strengthen.

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D U R B A N

South Africa’s third largest area is steeped in history but
prefers to keep its eye on the present and future
Writer: Matthew Staff

Durban
fficially recognised as
one of the New 7
Wonder Cities in 2015,
Durban’s modern
contrast to much of
South Africa’s traditional and historical
beauty has made it a leading
destination for tourists and business
delegates alike.
As part of the eThekwini Metropolitan
Municipality - a name aptly deriving from
the itheku word for lagoon - the city has
been able to leverage its natural location
on the coast to become a harbour port
of business renown, a seafront hotspot
up there with the best in the world, and
a central business district comfortably
able to leverage off the two former
factors.

26

Its subtropical climate inevitably adds
to its pull from a tourism perspective,
but as one of the largest metropolitan
land areas in the country, and with
a bustling port on-site, its business
acumen is every bit as prominent;
making it a genuine city for all seasons.
The busiest container port in Africa,
Durban’s appeal is all-encompassing
and, upon arrival, a setting of rolling
hills, stunning coastline and welcoming
people ensures an enjoyable
experience for all business travellers
fortunate enough to visit the city.
As durbanexperience.co.za
elaborates, “Durban is a natural
paradise known for its gorgeous
coastline of sun-kissed beaches and
subtropical climate, situated on the

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eastern seaboard of
Africa”.
It continues: “The
City is built around
one of the busiest
ports in Africa and
our people are
our pride. The city
focuses on providing
visitors with a unique
set of experiences that
go beyond the beach and
into the realm of Durban’s
diverse culture, urban
lifestyle and scenic diversity.
“Whether you here as a
business delegate or a leisure
traveller there is a warm African flavour
that will capture your heart forever.”

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The Business End
Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the natural aesthetic
and coastal environment fool you
though; Durban is every bit an
industrial success as Johannesburg
and Cape Town, epitomised by its
status as the second most important
manufacturing hub in the country.
Boasting a large and diversified
economy across this domain,
transportation, finance and
Governmental sectors, Durban
subsequently has the highest
number of millionaires; a number
which has especially risen since the
turn of the century.
As such, Durban is the main
economic driver in its province of
KwaZulu-Natal, contributing more
than half of its output, employment
and income. And once again
addressing areas of
modernity, this enhanced
economic status has been
plugged straight back
into the community,
developing large
swathes of the
region to make
it - arguably - the
most refined and
contemporary
city on the
continent.
Recent
infrastructural
improvements
have included
the complete
revitalisation of
the Durban Point
Waterfront, a clean-up
project of the business
district and, of course, the
construction of the Moses
Mabidha Stadium for the 2010
FIFA World Cup; an event which has

Facts and figures

Country:

South Africa

Municipality:

eThekwini

Province:

KwaZulu-Natal

Languages:

English, Zulu

Area:

2,292 square kilometres

Population (2011): 3.4 million
Currency:

Rand

Climate:

Humid subtropical

Highest recorded
temperature:
43.7ÂşC (29.12.2014)
Dialling code:

+27

Internet TLD:

.za

Website:

www.durban.gov.za

incidentally taken the Municipality to
even more impressive heights in the
past decade.
Now rated as a Gamma-level
global city, its quality and diversity
of accommodation has enhanced
simultaneously, keeping in mind both
ends of the spectrum; from the swells
of high-earning executives dwelling
and visiting the city, to the surfers and
domestic tourists looking for a quick albeit impressive - holiday.

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D U R B A N

Out & About
Dissecting the core of the city from a ‘doing’ and ‘seeing’
perspective is The Golden mile, initially developed in the
1970s to boost its tourist industry before being redeveloped
in 2009 in time for the World Cup.
As well as hosting the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the hub
also hosts the newly resurfaced Ushaka Marine World, as
well as some of Africa’s most popular beaches.
Getting around The Golden Mile is all part of the
experience too, with segways or bike hires available from the
seafront and the perfect mode of transport to get around
quickly and easily.
The Markets of Warwick, the International Convention
Centre and uMhlanga Beach serve as three more iconic
landmarks to visit while in Durban, but once you explore
the more intricate nuances of the city, you also unearth
an element of indigenousness and history that are
more synonymous with peer cities such as Pretoria and
Johannesburg.
As an ethnically diverse area combining Zulu, British and
Indian influences, the cuisine, culture, religion and general
hospitability that greets you is evident at every turn.

The Golden mile

uMhlanga Beach

Moses Mabhida Stadium
PHOTOGRAPHY: DARREN GLANVILLE

Kings Park Rugby Stadium
PHOTOGRAPHY: VAUXHALL BRIDGEFOOT

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Areas including Florida Road and Swapo Road present
a wide variety of entertainment and dining options, while
Suncoast and Sibaya provide a setting for any gamblers
in search of a beautifully located and fully functioning
casino.
For any avid shoppers, the Gateway Theatre of
Shopping, The Pavilion Shopping Centre and La Lucia Mall
offer state-of-the-art precincts. And if there is any time to
spare between meetings and relaxing, then a visit to any
one of Durban’s sporting arenas is a must.
The aforementioned Moses Mabhida Stadium stands
head and shoulders above them all incorporating a skycar
ride, adventure walk and world record bungee swing;
but Kingsmead Cricket Ground, Greyville Racecourse
and Kings Park Rugby Stadium form similarly poignant
landmarks for sport lovers.

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Outlook recommends
“The City of Durban is an elegant, mature and ambitious city. It is a trendsetter in
offering great lifestyle, speckled with adventure activities, blessed with natural
beauty and is an astonishingly liveable city” - durbanexperience.co.za

ACCOMMODATION

NATURE

CASINOS

Balmoral Hotel

Durban Botanical Gardens

Goble Palms Guest Lodge
and Urban Retreat

Crocodile Creek

Suncoast Casino and
Entertainment World

Crocodile Creek

Sibaya Casino and
Entertainment World

Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World

Goble Palms Guest Lodge and Urban Retreat

FOOD & DRINK

RETAIL

uShaka Marine World

Roma Revolving
Restaurant

Gateway Theatre of
Shopping

Durban Ice Arena

Florida Road

The Pavilion Shopping
Centre

LEISURE

Butcher Boys

Durban Ice Arena

Butcher Boys website

La Lucia Mall

La Lucia Mall

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D U R B A N

Transport Links
PHOTOGRAPHY: KIERON THWAITES

King Shaka International Airport

Durban port

Durban Metrorail

Durban’s Zulu rickshaws

As a leading domestic destination and
equally significant international hub,
it comes as no surprise that Durban’s
transport network is up there with the
best that the country - and indeed the
continent - has to offer.
Beginning on the shoreline, its
history as the busiest port in South
Africa makes it a very popular cruise
destination today; bridging elements
of business and leisure.
Inevitably though, most business
delegates will arrive not by boat,
but by plane, and the King Shaka
International Airport is equally
equipped to welcome the deluge of

30

arrivals each year from a growing
number of overseas destinations.
Its location in the Golden Triangle
between Johannesburg and Cape
Town makes it an equally fruitful entry
point, and when moving around the
city, the network is equally extensive.
On the tracks, its status as the first
operating steam railway location is
adhered to in modern day terms by a
host of both passenger and cargo rail
lines; complemented by the Metrorail
service for internal travel, and a
proposed high-speed rail link between
Durban and Johannesburg in the offing
for the future.

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If the open roads are more your
preference, then national highways
pointing to the north, south and
west of the city ensure easy access
and departure; while shorter innercity journeys offer a couple of more
quirky options.
Metered and minibus taxis need
to be called and ordered if you’re
looking for a steady, trusted, quick
mode of transport, but if you have a
little more time on your hands, then
the city’s iconic Zulu rickshaws are
a must-try in calmly navigating the
fascinating streets and promenades
of Durban.

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The Golden Mile

“Durban’s six kilometre long sandy
beach... is by far the greatest
attraction of the city. Swimming
is good all year round due to the
warm, subtropical climate. And the
beaches are well monitored and
protected by shark nets.
“The Golden Mile is also a huge
pleasure resort with dozens of
swimming and splash pools,
fountains and waterslides, curio
markets and merry-go-rounds,
uShaka Marine World, exotic
restaurants, nightclubs and many
hotels und apartment complexes
directly at the beach.”
- southafrica-travel.net

The Victoria Embankment

“The Victoria Embankment, also
known as Durban Waterfront and
the Esplanade, is Durban’s answer
to the V&A Waterfront in Cape
Town. It houses the historical Natal
Maritime Museum, the BAT Centre,
and offers fine dining and drinking at

nearby restaurants which each have
handsome harbour views.
“Keep an eye out when driving
along Victoria Embankment for
the ornate Vasco da Gama Clock,
which was bequeathed to the Port
of Natal in 1897 by the Portuguese
government.” - travelground.com

uMhlanga Beach

Moses Mabhida Stadium

“Durban’s new icon, Moses Mabhida
Stadium, offers a variety of experiences
and attractions for fun-seeking
families, couples looking for a bit
of romance, or corporate teambuilding. Take a trip on the SkyCar
or make the 550-step adventure
walk to the top of the arch and
enjoy panoramic views of the Indian
Ocean and Durban. Or take a look
inside the stadium with one of our
all-access (90 minute) or general (45
minute) tours. For the adrenaline junkies,
try plunging off the 106 metre arch on the
Big Swing.” - durbanexperience.co.za

PHOTOGRAPHY: BY AKIDJOH - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0

“The uMhlanga Coast is a
magnificent stretch of the South
African shoreline. It shows off
the splendour and wonder of this
country in a tranquil display that
remains extremely powerful. This
is part of KwaZulu-Natal, and is
very close to the city centre of
Durban, which is the province’s
main city and one of South Africa’s
major metropolises. However, the
Umhlanga Coast whisks you away
from the bustle of city living and to
the peaceful prettiness of the Indian
Ocean as it lazily dances onto the
sand.” - sa-venues.com

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is a leading business-to-business
publication promoting and showcasing the leading
companies across an array of sectors on the continent.
Appearing in both digital and print, the publication is
aimed at boardroom members and hands-on decision
makers, reaching more than 165,000 business executives.
Each month we feature leading companies and
business executives by profiling their operations
and success stories. Covering areas of best practice,
capital investments, the supply chain, innovation and
continuous improvement, we aim to promote all that is
good about the industry and the region, with
your company taking centre stage
throughout it all.
Producing business profiles
across the full range of sectors
and every corner of the
continent, Africa Outlook is
the platform to promote your
business success.

If you want to enjoy the exposure and
coverage we can offer, please feel free to
contact us to discuss the opportunity further.
Tell us your story and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll tell the world.
Matthew Staff, Editorial Director
Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 655
matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

ame
M I N I N G

I N D A B A

2 0 1 7

Investing in African
Mining Indaba 2017
Ministers from 20 African
Countries are already onboard
for the 2017 Mining Indaba
cross the continent,
the Africa Mining
Vision, adopted by
African heads of state
in 2009, is gaining
momentum with broader
development imperatives aimed at
integrating mining into industrial and
trade policy.
As Africa develops, so its sovereign
and operating risk will diminish, and
its infrastructure will improve. Already
the African Development Bank expects
growth across African economies
to accelerate next year to reach 4.2
percent in 2018.
A case in point is Nigeria, which
has embarked on a long-term
development of its mining sector,
targeting $5 biilion in investments over
the next 10 years under a new industry
roadmap. It recently also issued a
three-year tax holiday for investors in
the mining sector.
Others like Kenya want to offer
companies and investors opportunities
to tap into new green field projects.
The Kenyan Government recently
committed to a $29.64 miilion airborne
survey to map mineral deposits; the
objective of the study is to attract
mining explorers particularly to the
western part of the country where
gold has been discovered.
Exploring growth strategies, new
projects and investment opportunities

34

Nikolai Zelenski, Nordgold

across the African continent will be
the focus of both the Ministerial
Symposium and the Investment
Discovery Forum at the 2017 Investing
in African Mining Indaba conference,
which takes place from 6-9 February in
Cape Town.
“The response from African
governments has been
overwhelming,” says Harry Chapman,
Director of Content for Mining Indaba.
“To date we already have 20 confirmed
ministers participating in the 2017
Ministerial Symposium, well over 300
percent more compared to this time
last year; with our speaker line-up
including the likes of Hon. Christopher
Yaluma, Minister of Mines and Minerals
Development, Zambia; Hon. Nii Osah
Mills, Ghana’s Minister of Lands and
Natural Resources; and Hon. Dan
Kazungu , Mining Cabinet Secretary in
Kenya.”
Chapman adds: “Investec and RBC
Capital Markets have also announced
their support for the 2017 Investment

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Discovery Forum (IDF). With
participation from these organisations,
the IDF establishes the building blocks
for future growth of the conference,
growing investor and mining
company participation and focusing
on the core of Mining Indaba;
investment into African mining.”
He concludes: “As the market
is recovering, companies are
spending more on exploration and
it’s a time when funds are more
active in evaluations and investments.
This upturn is also reflected in the
growing line-up of investor and mining
company speakers at Mining Indaba
with a massive 61 percent year-onyear increase in investor registrations
alone.”

Alwyn Pretorius, Newmont

Mining executives speaking at
the 2017 Mining Indaba also see
exploration as a key growth area and
are optimistic about opportunities and
investments in African mining in the
year ahead.

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are likely to turn their attention to
reserve replenishment and production
growth through exploration and/or
acquisition.”
However, Pardey also cautions that
while growth through exploration and/
or acquisition may offer significant
opportunities for all, there is a danger
that the industry returns to “its old
habits of pursuing growth for its own
sake, to the detriment of long-term
shareholder value”.
“I think there is an extraordinary
opportunity for companies of various
levels in Africa over the next many
years,” enthuses Clive Johnson, CEO
of B2Gold. “There’s tremendous
exploration opportunity and we
believe there will be numerous
additional, major gold discoveries
made in Africa.”
Nikolai Zelenski, CEO of Nordgold
concurs: “From our perspective, Africa
remains an attractive destination for
investment because it is a promising
region where high quality deposits can
still be found. With the increase in gold
prices we will probably see increased
investment by mining companies,
especially in underexplored countries,
which have a good history of dealing
with mining companies and wish to
attract foreign investment.”
As for the biggest opportunity for
mining companies in Africa in the
next 12 months, Alwyn Pretorius,
Regional Senior Vice President at
Newmont, points to rising precious
metal prices generating higher
margins, as likely to fund future
growth projects.
“This will set the stage for
future exploration and expansion
possibilities, as Africa is rich in
resources,” adds Pretorius. He
also anticipates new exploration
programmes, both brownfields and
greenfields, to generate additional
reserve and resource with improved
gold price and cost efficiency benefits.

Clive Johnson, B2 Gold

Mining Indaba

Andrew Pardey, Centamin

Centamin CEO, Andrew Pardey
agrees. “Expenditure in exploration
is likely to increase in 2017 as capital
returns to the junior sector of the
market. Also, having largely repaired
their balance sheets and now
generating free cash flow, some of
the bigger producing companies

With more than 6,000 attendees
and 31 investor speakers across the
three-day event, Investing in African
Mining Indaba is the world’s largest
mining investment conference and
the largest mining event in Africa. It
remains the preferred deal-making
platform for mining in Africa,
bringing together mining corporates
who seek investment, investors who
want to strike deals in the mining
sector, and government ministers who
engage both groups to discuss new
projects in their countries. For more
information, visit www.miningindaba.
com.

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35

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M E T O R E X

( P T Y )

L T D

Long-term
Perspective
Metorex is consolidating its
position as a mid-tier mining
Group in Southern Africa
through a concerted balance
between present day
innovation, and future
sustainability
Writer: Matthew Staff
Project Manager: Arron Rampling
etorex is proving its
credentials across a
number of assets in the
DRC and Zambian
copper belt to reaffirm
its status as an established mid-tier
mining Group with a concerted focus
on long-term profitability.
Uniquely positioned in the Southern
and Central African base metals mining
industry as a pure copper and cobalt
investment, the business in its current
guise represents more than 40 years of
evolution and, following an acquisition
by Jinchuan Group International
Resources Co Ltd in 2013, the Company
has even more clout to add to its
innovative and sustainable strategy.
The wider Group structure as it
exists today instils Metorex as an arm
of Jinchuan Group subsidiary, Jinchuan
International (HK Listed), and while
this has added a number of vital strings
to the Company’s bow, it has simply

36

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40
YEARS

The business
in its current
guise
represents
more than
40 years of
evolution

complemented a philosophy and
operational excellence that had long
prior existed within the business.
“The Metorex vision is to grow a
competitive and sustainable Africanfocused base metal mining Company
and build a business development
platform and operation base of
Jinchuan based in Southern Africa,”
the Company states. “To grow a
Company that offer opportunity for
the development of our employees
and communities, delivering to
shareholders’ expectations and
contributing to the development of
our world.”
This ethos emanates throughout
the Company’s day-to-day missions
also, incorporating considerations
that apply to both its industrial works
within the mines, and the wider
impacts the business has on its people,
the environment and the surrounding
communities.
The Company notes: “The Metorex
mission is to operate and optimise
existing mines and assets; through
new mine development, exploration
and technical improvements, to
realise preservation and appreciation
of assets; to produce copper and
cobalt products in line with quality
specifications; to realise Company
growth in order to maximise
shareholder interests; to ensure
harmonious relationships between
employees, communities, government
and society; and to create zero harm.”

M I N I N G

&

R E S O U R C E S

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37

MAGNESIA

QUICK LIME

Neelkanth
Lime is a name
to reckon with
in the entire
south African
region.

Our lime products are sold extensively in mining, gold, glass,
sugar, water, steel, agriculture and construction industries.
Highly customer centric in our approach we pride ourselves
in being preferred suppliers to the biggest multinational
companies in the SADC region.

Introducing Neelkanth Magnesia
Neelkanth Magnesia is produced from the finest quality of ore
deposits in the East African region.
Neelkanth Lime, fully understanding the hardships of its valued
mining clients to source MgO from all across the world, has
gone to great lengths to search for rich quality of magnesite ore
and has developed this product closer home, thereby delivering
high quality MgO at a much lower price.

www.neelkanthlime.com
Phone: +260 976 617522

NEELKANTH LIME LTD
Started in 2007 in Tanga Tanzania to cater to the increasing
demand of lime products in Africa, It is now a name to
reckon with in the entire South African region. Our lime
products are sold extensively in mining, gold, glass, sugar,
water, steel, and agriculture and construction industries.

Lime

Find out more at www.neelkanthlime.com

MM INTEGRATED STEEL LTD
We are a leading manufacturer of roofing products,
flat & long steel products and water storage tanks in
Lusaka, Zambia, recognized throughout the region
for their high quality. We combine superior technical
competence and unrivalled technological efficiency to
produce the quality steel products we are famous for.
Find out more at www.mmisteelszambia.com

NEELKANTH SALT WORKS
Neelkanth Salt works is the pride of Tanzania. In a market
that has so far been characterized by loose, unbranded
minimally iodized salt produced by traditional methods
on one hand or imported edible salt as the other option
Neelkanth refined salt, from Tanzaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most trusted
business house comes with the guarantee of quality,
conforming to health standards as prescribed.

NEELKANTH HOSPITALITY
Neelkanth Real Estate’s flagship project and first foray
into the hospitality industry is the Hotel Park Royale
Residency. Located in the heart of Lusaka, the capital
of Zambia, the hotel is situated opposite the oldest and
most famous shopping mall, Manda Hill.
Find out more at www.neelkanthhospitality.com

Hospitality

NEELKANTH CABLES LTD

Cable

Always looking for diversified business directions line,
Neelknath Group Zambia Limited has launched another
product-line in the manufacturing segment, Neelknath
Cables Limited. A state of the art cable manufacturing
unit which has been commissioned in Ndola, Zambia.
Find out more at www.neelkanthcable.com

INFOTECH BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
InfoTech Business Solutions Limited, a part of the
Neelkanth Group, offers a diverse range of hardware
and software products and services. Our capabilities
are built on the philosophy of ‘3RS’ (Right people, right
processes and right technology); providing a strong
foundation for a best-in-class Integrated Service
Delivery Framework for our clients.
Find out more at www.infotech-zambia.com

tlas Copco’s main headquarters
in the DRC, based in
Lubumbashi, takes advantage
of the country’s rich and natural
resources. This provides a growing
market for the Company’s products,
bringing support to both existing and
new customers in one of Africa’s larger
emerging markets.
Marketing products such as drill rigs and
consumables for both underground and
surface mining operations, as well as
exploration equipment, compressors,
and construction equipment, the
Company aims to provide a strong
base for future growth and sustainable
productivity within the mining industry
within the country.
T +243 991 004 430

SUNWEST AFRICA LIMITED

Metorex continues to uphold prestigious standards

Jinchuan Group

Metorex’s parent Company, The
Jinchuan Group is a Chinese stateowned resources Company based in
the Gansu province of China which
produces a host of metals including
nickel, cobalt, copper, platinum,
palladium, silver and selenium.
As the second largest cobalt
manufacturer in the world, the third
largest copper manufacturer in
China, and a leading platinum Group
in Asia; “Jinchuan Group promotes
the function of encouraging the
economic prosperity of limited
resources that are used for
consumer production, through green
development”, Metorex details on
its website. “Being the 4th largest
nickel manufacturing enterprise in
the world, Jinchuan Group also holds

42

other prestigious titles such as:
“Industries and original energy
resource development enables them
to improve and streamline processes
within the mining industry, thus
making Jinchuan Group a leader
within their field. Having won the
esteemed Chinese Industrial award
in April, 2013, this admired mining
company Continues to uphold the
prestigious standard they have set.”
Ultimately, it is Jinchuan’s values
which most tie into Metorex’s own
approach though, with responsibility,
humanism, innovation and ‘winwin’ value at the heart of both
organisations’ outlook; and thus their
overall structure since 2013.

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hrough the supply of patented
three sided “U” shaped cathode
edge strips, Sunwest Africa
Limited has helped Metorex increase
production at Ruashi Mining (a copper
and cobalt operation that utilises the
SX/EW process) in the Democratic
Republic of Congo, thanks to current
efficiency improvements due to the
innovative design of the cathode edge
strips.
As a result of the above production
benefits, the two companies continue
to strengthen their mutually beneficial
business relationship.

Sunwest Africa Limited is a leading supplier
of high quality consumables and electrical
equipment for copper, nickel, zinc, and cobalt EW
and ER operations in Africa.

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43

M E T O R E X

( P T Y )

L T D

“We are also developing the Musonoi
project, a cobalt copper project in
Kolwezi, DRC, which has passed the
definitive feasibility study stage, and is
being prepared for final optimisation
and front end engineering design.
“Meanwhile, there is also the Ruashi
III expansion project which will extend
the mine-life of the Ruashi opencast
mine in Lubumbashi, DRC.”
“Good operational management”
is the key differentiator underpinning
the success that Metorex has enjoyed
across each of its projects over the
decades according to Fitzmaurice;
and this is certainly epitomised in
pure scale terms when looking at its
trademark mining operations.

Chibuluma Mine production began in 1955

Operational management

Scanning the hierarchy and structure
further down and you find the
esteemed projects that have become
so synonymous with Metorex’s
capabilities over the years.
Comprising the Ruashi Mine,
Kinsenda Mine, Musonoi Project
and Lubembe Exploration in the
DRC - and the Chibuluma Mine and
Chifupu Project in Zambia - Metorex
is continuously proactive in acquiring
lucrative assets while reviewing
potential opportunities in the future, in
sub-Saharan Africa.
“We are a group of senior
executives who routinely evaluate and
assess opportunities to expand our
business,” Group Projects Manager,
Vic Fitzmaurice explains in regards
to Metorex’s project identification
strategy. “Key projects at present
include the re-opening and recapitalisation of the Kinsenda Mine in
the DRC, which will be in production
in 2017.

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Key projects
at present
include the reopening and recapitalisation of the
Kinsenda Mine in the
DRC, which will be in
production in 2017

• C H I B U L U M A M I N E S
“This mining area is located south
of Chibuluma in Zambia. Mine
production in Chibuluma began in
1955 and currently has a current
equivalent annual production capacity
of approximately 19,000 tonnes of
Copper in the form of concentrate,”
the Company details. “The mine
currently extracts ore from an
underground operation feeding an
efficient well run concentrator.
“Chibuluma continues to be
described as Zambia’s model mine.”
• R U A S H I M I N I N G
Metorex continues: “Ruashi is a copper
and cobalt mine in Katanga province,
located within the Democratic
Republic of Congo. This mine is made
up of three open pits, along with a
modern solvent extraction electrowinning processing plant. Ruashi
Mining started production way back
in 1911. In 2005, this Company was
registered as a DRC Company, being
developed in two phases.”
Phase 1 embraced the construction
of the concentrator to a life-span
of approximately four years, while
Phase 2 catered for the mining of the
Ruashi opencast ore body; including
the construction of an expanded

concentrator, the acid leaching
section, and a solvent extraction plant
for the production of copper and
cobalt on-site.
• M U S O N O I P R O J E C T
“The Musonoi Project is also located
in the DRC, on the outskirts of the
mining town of Kolwezi,” Metorex
explains. “The project area contains
at least two known mineralised zones,
one of which (known as Dilala East)
was discovered as a blind, high grade
copper and cobalt deposit in 2007.
“Following the initial discovery of
the high grade mineralised zone, the
property has been extensively drilled
and has a declared mineral resource
of 31.7 million tons at a grade of 2.8
percent copper and 0.9 percent cobalt.
The mineral resource has been defined
to a depth of 600 metre below surface
and indications are that the ore body
is open to approximately 1,000 metres
below surface.”
The mines around Kolwezi have
produced more than 400,000 tonnes
of copper per annum in recent years,
capitalising on local skills, favourable
logistical conditions, and specialist
consultants deriving from areas of
environmental impacts and on-site
technical skills.

The mine has seen a rapid rise to prominence

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The Kinsenda
Project currently
ranks as one of the
world’s highest grade
copper deposits with
declared mineral
resources of 20.7
million tonnes at a
grade of 5.6 percent
copper

• K I N S E N D A P R O J E C T
Metorex notes: “The Kinsenda Project
currently ranks as one of the world’s
highest grade copper deposits with
declared mineral resources of 20.7
million tonnes at a grade of 5.6 percent
copper. Kinsenda is situated within the
Democratic Republic of Congo, near
the border town of Kasumbalesa.”
The mine has seen a rapid rise to
prominence and productivity following
the completion of the bankable
feasibility study in 2012; immediately
followed by development in 2013 and
mining operations incepting in late 2015.
Using cut and fill mining methods,
the easy access to infrastructure in the
area has made it one of Metorex’s key
projects and a subsequent exploration
of further volumes of inferred mineral
resources to the east of the main area
is set to add another eight years onto
the mine’s overall lifecycle.

• L U B E M B E
A 2012 scoping study - compounded
by a 2014 feasibility study - kick-started
this mine’s development and the
potential to mine mixed sulphide and
oxide ores to a mineral resource of 93
million tonnes at a grade of 1.9 percent
copper. Using open pit methods,
the copper-based minerals will be
recovered via flotation.
“In the second step of processing,
the concentrate will be subjected to
ferric and acid leaching to produce
an electrolytic solution from which
copper cathodes will be produced
by electrowinning methods.” The
Company says.

Strategic anchors

These renowned projects represent
more than 40 years of development
for Metorex, but it was 2011 where the
modern-day Company began to take
shape following the announcement of
Jinchuan Group’s intention to acquire
the business.
And since this deal’s completion two
years later, the Company has gone
from strength to strength, not only in
identifying the most lucrative possible
mining projects, but in bringing
unrivalled innovations, efficiencies and
expertise to the fore.
“Improving throughputs, removing
operational bottlenecks, and cost
reduction initiatives across our

Vic Fitzmaurice
Group Projects Manager,
Metorex
Professional Engineer, and Master
of Engineering, Vic Fitzmaurice
joined Metorex in 2016. Prior to
joining Metorex he worked at
Gencor, De Beers, Great Western
Minerals Group and other mining
companies in various senior
operational, managerial and
project roles.

The Company is going from strength to strength

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operations and head office have
been the basis of our continuous
improvement strategy over the
years, and this also includes areas
of supply chain management where
there continues to be a focus on
central procurement and Sino-based
engineering and suppliers to reduce
costs,” Fitzmaurice explains.
Arguably its most refined, honed
and concerted focus revolves around
its human capital mission though, with
the acknowledgement of its people
and localised expertise prominent
throughout.
The Company continues: “Human
Capital bases its foundation on the
Metorex strategy which defines the
vision and values of the organisation
which is enabled through the strategic
anchors defined for the organisation.
“Our focus is to align the entire
human capital function with the
greater Metorex strategy and add
value to our business.
“We are process champions who
are aligned to the business, proactively
involved, lead by example and act with
integrity.”

M I N I N G

&

R E S O U R C E S

Long-term vision

A commitment to effective leadership, employee
development, mutual respect, human dignity, and
motivational empowerment compounds its overall
human capital ethos, and is also backed up by a sincere
sense of accountability within Metorex.
Ultimately, this culminates in a more streamlined longterm perspective which the Company pinpoints as one
of its core values contributing to its present and future
success.
“We seek to grow our Company and our people,
focusing on stability, sustainability and value,” it says.
“We do everything to the best of our ability, acting in a
professional way, leading by example and continuously
improving ourselves and the Company.
“Through effective communication and collaboration
we will work together as one team to achieve our shared
vision and goals.”
The last - but by no means least - value revolves
around ‘zero harm’, entailing concerns towards workers,
the environment, the community and health & safety
aspects; once again emphasising Metorex’s drive to not
only be profitable and productive, but to do so in a way
that will remain sustainable long into the future.
“Cost curve management, productivity improvements,
and initiatives to remain profitable remain imperative,”
Fitzmaurice concludes. “And this contributes to our
differentiator which is our long-term vision and our belief
in the copper and cobalt market fundamentals, backed
up by strong shareholder support.
“Over the next few years, we now expect to see the
successful operation of the Kinsenda mine, the start of
construction of the Musonoi cobalt and copper project,
the start of construction of the Ruashi III expansion
project, and the unveiling of a significant new asset
acquisition.”

Cabinet
DOROTHEE
Madiya is
a law firm
specialising
in consulting
in business,
mining and oil
law including
subsequent
legal issues.

T: +243 855 253 667 E: dorothee@madiyalaw.com www.madiyalaw.com

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

49

ame
W I N D E R

C O N T R O L S

( P T Y )

L T D

IN FULL

Control

Winder Controlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bespoke and turnkey range of products and services is testament to the
market reputation it now enjoys, and the esteemed partnerships it has formed over the years
Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Arron Rampling
DD BMR Rock Winder

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or more than 40 years,
Winder Controls has
bridged the worlds of
refined mechanical and
electrical engineering
with the tough requirements of the
mining sector in Africa and around the
world to become one of the industry’s
contractors of choice and most
experienced operators.
Founded in South Africa in
1973 Winder Controls has always
specialised in mine hoisting, but
as the years have progressed, the
Company’s ownership, evolution
and diversification has made it one
of the go-to players in an industry
dependent on operational excellence.
“Winder Controls specialises in
the design, manufacture, installation
and commissioning of a full range of
mine winders and hoisting related
equipment, and is proud to have
a strong in-house team of service
professionals who provide aftersales servicing and maintenance
capabilities to the Company’s clients,”
Joint Managing Director, Tim Keegan
explains. “Since its inception, Winder
Controls has supplied more than 800
mechanical and electrical hoisting
installations to the global mining
industry, including drum, Blair, Koepe
and stage winders; as well as a wide
range of rope handling systems,
auxiliary components, spare parts
and services. The Company has also
carried out numerous relocations,
upgrades and refurbishments of
existing equipment.”
Now under the stewardship
of the SIEMAG Tecberg Group
since 2011, the combination of
autonomous responsibility and
governance, combined with SIEMAG’s
international esteem, technical
excellence and product range, has
made the business an even more
complete package; adding clout
behind its market agility to cement
its position as a bespoke service
provider.

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51

W I N D E R

C O N T R O L S

“In addition to its role as an OEM,
Winder Controls functions as a systems
integrator on major capex projects and
since they are not limited to any one
specific brand of product they are able
to maintain a high degree of flexibility
so as to always offer solutions tailored
to their client’s needs,” Keegan affirms.
“The systems integration role enables
Winder Controls to utilise electrical and
hydraulic hardware from a range of
suppliers in order to align with the broad
range of client’s requirements.”

THE SIEMAG
GROUP
The Siemag Group was
founded in Germany in 1871
with the establishment of a
Blacksmith’s shop, and over
the years has expanded
significantly. In addition to
Winder Controls, Siemag now
incorporates subsidiaries
in North America, Australia,
the UK, China and Poland.
The Group’s core focus is
the supply of winders and
hoisting related equipment
and, in addition, the Company
offers specialised equipment
for mine cooling and energy
recovery, ship lifting and
the underground disposal of
nuclear waste.

( P T Y )

L T D

any variation of requirements, and
providing custom-designed solutions.
“This is to ensure optimal
performance against our clients’
specifications, operational
requirements and budget,” Keegan
details.
“Our key site services within this
include installation and commissioning,
site management; site safety
compliance; installation procedures;
cold and hot commissioning
procedures; personnel training;
after-sales service and maintenance;
dynamic testing; shaft guide alignment
testing; and regulatory audits,
inspections and compliance testing.”
Winder Controls’ scope typically
includes full engineering, supply,
installation and commissioning of all
electrical, mechanical and hydraulic
equipment; including switch gear,
transformers, motors and drive
systems, control and safety PLC’s,
winder drums and drum shafts, clutches,
bearings and brake systems etc.
In addition to the provision of
new equipment, Winder Controls
also specialises in the refurbishment,
relocation and upgrading of existing

Optimal performance

The products emanating from this
turnkey approach cover all manner of
necessities, incorporating facets from
the Company’s origins, as well as more
modern innovations, nuances and
technological advancements in line
with Winder Controls’ own in-house
development programme as well as
with general industry developments.
Once again, the emphasis is on
creating a flexible solutions-driven
offering, capable of catering for

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Double drum winder refurbishment

machines and accordingly carries a
variety of ‘stock winders’ so as to
provide clients with fast response
times and cost effective hoisting
solutions.

Double drum winder refurbishment

Double drum winder replacement

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Gear customisation

Additional specialist services offered
by the Company include detailed
engineering analysis of components for
proposed new duties, logistical planning
and spatial scanning for movement
of large components underground,
and rehabilitation of gear-sets using
scanning techniques combined with
unique expertise in order to salvage
customised gear profiles from worn or
damaged gearboxes.

Keegan continues: “Winder Controls
also offer a wide range of motors and
drive solutions from various major
manufacturers, including TMEIC,
Siemens, Rockwell and Schneider.”

Drive products include MV VSD’s
up to 11kV (ideal for new or retrofit),
LV drives up to 690V, DC drives, soft
starters and Ward-Leonard drives;
while motors include a full range from
380V to 11kV with powers up to tens
of MW and speeds from 34rpm to
3,000rpm and above.
Driving this impressive array of
products and services are the latest
technologies and processes ensuring
optimum performance and efficiencies
beginning during the design, planning
and project control stages. All
mechanical design is carried out using
a combination of purpose-developed
in-house software, 3-D Autocad
Inventor and Mathcad - while finite
element analysis is carried out using
Ansys.
“Electrical design work is done using
Eplan and Autocad,” Keegan adds.
“Every design undergoes a thorough
risk assessment which the client is
encouraged to take part in. As required
by ISO 9001, a strict document control
and quality control system is followed.
This is achieved with a Windows Sequel
based workflow management system.
“The company also runs an ERP
system for financial management,
procurement, project controls, control
of deliveries and stock management.”

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W I N D E R

C O N T R O L S

( P T Y )

L T D

TMEIC

TMEIC
One repeat beneficiary of, and contributor to, the Winder
Controls service offering is TMEIC (Toshiba MitsubishiElectric Industrial Systems Corporation), a Japanese
expert with whom Winder Controls has developed a close
relationship for the supply of high-end drives and motors.
TMEIC’s TM10, TM70, MVE2 and TMDC drives have proven
particularly relevant to the hoisting application, lending
themselves to a series of successful projects between the
two companies: including Bulyanhulu (Tanzania) service
winder; Assmang personnel/material winder; Assmang
production winder; Beatrix 1 shaft service winder;
Prestea (Ghana) central shaft #2 man winder; Tautona 97
level rock winder; and Kloof 4 sub-vertical rock winder.
“Winder Controls has made large strides in establishing a
solid footprint in the South African mining industry, using
TMEIC equipment which is proven to be of exceptional
quality with unprecedented levels of reliability and
availability,” Keegan says.

T

MEIC is the leading application
expert for high performance drive
systems and services, combining
strong global capabilities with a flexible
customer-centric business approach.
As an industrial systems integrator,
TMEIC focuses on industrial markets,
brings innovation to industry, takes
positive and constructive approaches,
and evolves continuously with our
customers.
Built on the proud history of Toshiba
and Mitsubishi Electric, TMEIC continues
to provide high performance, high
horsepower rotating machinery,
variable speed drives and advanced
automation systems to customers
around the world. Our accumulated
know-how and expertise are applied
to create a variety of systems, while
cutting-edge technologies are used to
implement innovation in production
processes.
TMEIC utilises a flexible “hands-on”
business approach to become a
collaborative solutions partner for our
customers offering support across the
board; from proposing solutions to
post-sale services.
Our proven track record* in providing
innovative solutions for hoisting
applications, whether riding through
70 percent voltage dips for 500ms or
realizing 54 percent energy savings,
provides our customers with the
confidence that TMEIC is the best
partner to meet their production needs.

Double drum BMR rock winder

Using these tools in combination with
its innovative approach, Winder Controls
is constantly improving on established
concepts while simultaneously
carrying out development work on
new products. This has allowed the
Company to produce the largest
Blair winders manufactured by any

54

company to date (7.2m drum diameter,
12MW), a process which required
significant innovative thinking and
a departure from the traditional
approach in the industry of relying
on additional mass to cater for the
extreme structural requirements
imposed on the components.

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We are systems integration experts, and
have a strong commitment to execution
excellence which we use to assure
customer success, every project, every
time. It is our vision to be recognised
as the global leader of industrial drive
solutions and the partner of choice
for supporting our clients’ quest for
operational excellence.
* Bulyanhulu service-winder; Assmang
personnel/material & production
winders; Beatrix service-winder;
Prestea man-winder; Tautona-97 level
rock-winder; and Kloof-4 sub-vertical
rock-winder.

Remote Diagnostics available for ALL drive products
Visit our website for further details www.tmeic.eu or contact us directly at info@tmeic.eu

W I N D E R

C O N T R O L S

( P T Y )

L T D

Koepe 3-D Model

Twin integrated Koepe winders

Quality management and
production

Keegan continues: “Winder Controls
has invested significantly in upgrades
to their Wadeville production facility
and equipment so as to increase
quality and efficiency of production
activities. The Company is ISO listed
and maintains an extensive QA
management system which is regularly
verified by the necessary internal and
independent external audit processes.
“Assembly and production facilities
include a full electrical assembly and
testing facility; heavy machining
capability; a fully-equipped hydraulic
assembly and testing facility; a vertical
boring mill; and a horizontal boring mill.”

Horizontal boring mill

Long-term success

Complementing the Company’s core
functions is an equally stringent
and dedicated focus on the wider
community, driven largely by its role
as a Level 8 BBBEE Company with
Empowering Supplier Status which
has culminated in numerous corporate
social responsibility (CSR) initiatives
being conducted over the years.
Being part-owned by Shalamuka
Capital - the BEE investment vehicle
formed by the Shalamuka Foundation
and RMB Corvest - has gone a long

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Wadeville mechanical works

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Vertical boring mill

Luka Primary School is just one example
of Winder Controls’ numerous CSR beneficiaries

way to facilitate this aspect of the
organisation.
“The Company is proud to have
maintained several CSR initiatives,
both through Shalamuka as well
as directly to various community
projects and selected suppliers,”
Keegan emphasises. “This
includes Shalamuka’s involvement
with Penreach as well as direct
contributions by Winder Controls to

Freedom Park Secondary School and
Luka Primary School in Rustenburg,
and also to Badirile Secondary School
in Carltonville; for projects including
the construction of an under-roof
feeding area for 1,600 children a day,
the establishment of a secure Gr1 & 2
playground, and the supply of digital
and hardcopy material for learners and
educators.”
Winder Controls has also involved

itself in micro enterprise development,
whereby three privately owned
micro enterprises were selected for
a business development process and
management education.
Alluding strongly to notions of
sustainability and longevity through
this initiative, this reflects a general
ethos apparent within Winder
Controls, who looks set to ensure even
more concerted market growth for the
business in the years to come.
“In the highly technical and
demanding field of mine hoisting,
Winder Controls believes that the
key to its long-term success lies in
the high quality of its engineering
and the provision of top-class project
outcomes to its clients,” Keegan
concludes.
“In order to achieve this, Winder
Controls has invested in the growth of
their technical personnel and systems
and the Company is home to some of
the country’s top electrical, mechanical
and hydraulic skills.”

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Taking

Responsibility

Old Mutual Zimbabwe is leading the discussion around the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insurance solutions,
unit trusts and responsible business evolution Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Stuart Parker

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ld Mutual is a name
synonymous with
financial security and
insurance innovation
across sub-Saharan
Africa, and indeed the world, and is
leveraging this influence to full effect
in Zimbabwe via an ever-growing
portfolio of market-leading services.
Offering the full range of integrated
financial services, while customising
each product to meet the specific
needs of every customer, its life
assurance, asset management,
unit trust, property development,
short-term insurance and banking
services arms ensure that no stone is
left unturned for its comprehensive
customer base.
“Old Mutual has wide portfolio
of clients that reflects the diversity
of Zimbabwe’s financial needs,”
elaborates the Company’s Group Chief
Executive Officer, Jonas Mushosho.
“The name Old Mutual has become
synonymous with savings, investment,
life and insurance products in
Zimbabwe.”
One of the Company’s key
contributors to its own success is the
willingness - as well as the capability to move not only in line with the times,
but ahead of them; a factor epitomised
by a series of recent investments
in areas including technology,
automation and facility upgrades.
Mushosho details: “Old Mutual has
refreshed its technology infrastructure
and systems to cater for the growing
needs of the business and increased
product offering. This investment
includes a multi-million dollar refresh of
the core banking infrastructure, and a
replacement of the asset management
and Unit Trusts product administration
systems.
“Similarly, our Life Assurance
division recently launched an
automated premium collecting
application, Digiata. One of the
main benefits of this system will be a
considerable increase in productivity

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O L D

M U T U A L

Z I M B A B W E

FIDELITY PRINTERS AND
REFINERS (FPR)

F

idelity Printers and Refiners
(FPR) is the largest security and
commercial printing Company
in Zimbabwe. We specialise in buying
gold from all producers.
As a custodian of critical strategic
national capabilities, benchmarked
against the best in class, the Company’s
extensive premises with its own
refinery and highly-trained staff allows
for all types of gold operations.
The Company is working towards LBMA
accreditation.

www.fpr.co.zw
Renowned for its strong heritage and sound corporate governance

and flexibility in premium collection.”
As the adoption of advanced
technologies escalates, so too does
Old Mutual’s adherence to the
digitisation; the business also now
using online quick quote and personal
insurance management tools to
further enhance customer control and
speed of service.
Such a forward-thinking strategy is
an indictment of the ethos that has
made Old Mutual the Company it is
today, as Mushosho emphasises: “Old
Mutual is renowned for its strong
heritage buttressed by a solid balance
sheet, integrity, sound corporate
governance and its contribution
towards Zimbabwe’s socio-economic
development.
“We invest heavily in the training of
our staff so that we are able to offer
an unparalleled experience to our
customers.”

Financial education

Continuously evolving its market

62

offering and scope of service, Old
Mutual Zimbabwe has recently
compounded its appeal through the
introduction of a financial inclusion
strategy, aimed at reaching out to
marginalised communities and to the
growing informal sector.
Programmes such as the financial
literacy initiative, On The Money have
subsequently been unveiled and are
already going a long way to addressing
the needs of Zimbabweans previously
unexposed to such services.
“On The Money is a financial
education initiative that is based on the
unique characteristics of Africa’s Big
Five animals (elephant, lion, rhinoceros,
buffalo and leopard) as found in nature.
The behaviours have been distilled
to teach people how to best manage
your personal and family finances,”
Mushosho notes. “Old Mutual’s
investment in financial education aims
to equip Zimbabweans with the tools
to realise their goals and dreams. It
also empowers individuals, families

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COGHLAN AND WELSH

C

oghlan and Welsh is one of the
oldest and most established
law firms in Zimbabwe. It was
formed in 1903 by Sir Charles Coghlan,
the first Premier of Southern Rhodesia
and Sir Allan Welsh who later became
Southern Rhodesia’s Member of
Parliament and eventually, the Speaker
of Parliament.
Coghlan & Welsh is one of the few
legal firms in Zimbabwe that can claim
to have been so closely associated
with the legal, political and social
development of the country, providing
disciplined, professional and resultsorientated legal services.
T +263 9 888371/8
E admin@coghlanandwelsh.com

www.coghlanandwelsh.com

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incorporated under the Companies Act on 18
December 1978. It has two major divisions;
Printing and Gold Operations. The company is
ISO 9001: 2008 certiﬁed.

Fidelity Printers and Reﬁners (Pvt) Ltd (FPR)
incorporated under the Companies Act on 18
December 1978. It has two major divisions;
Printing and Gold Operations. The company is
ISO 9001: 2008 certiﬁed.

The largest security and
commercial printing
company in Zimbabwe.

Gold Operations
Consist of Assaying, Melting House, Gold and
Silver Reﬁning and Gold Mobilisation. FPR is the
sole buyer, reﬁner and exporter of gold in
Zimbabwe.

years old and has a wealth of experience, which has filtered
down the line over the years, in the legal field. It offers a
wide range of corporate legal services to meet the demands
of contemporary commercial and general practice including
criminal4.matters.
It represents
major
companies in Zimbabwe
REFINING
AND GOLD
BUYING
and variousOPERATIONS
parastatals and quasi - governmental organisations.
- Assaying - using both fire assay technique
and specific gravity method

Old Mutual- Gold
Zimbabwe
is one such client. Coghlan and Welsh
mobilisation
is therefore- Melting
honoured
to partner with Old Mutual Zimbabwe
house
in this editorial
feature as it celebrates its 110 year history and
- Accounts
continued success.
The firm is committed to offering unique legal services to its
Printing Operations
Gold Operations
clients through the provision
of excellent services
in all its
+263 4 486694
+263 4 447806
Its personnel
zealously strive for
and act with
@ bzhomwa@fpr.co.zw
@ mdube@fpr.co.zw
results orientation, professionalism, responsibility and
integrity in the provision of such legal services.

Old Mutual Zimbabwe
divisions
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (Pvt)
Ltd (The Life Company)
“The Group’s Life business is conducted
principally by Old Mutual Life Assurance
Company (OMLAC) Zimbabwe Limited,”
Mushosho says. “OMLAC is the largest life
assurer in Zimbabwe on a gross premium
income basis.”
Providing life, retirement, savings and
funeral products to individuals and groups,
OMLAC is also a key player in the secretarial,
administration, group life assurance and
actuarial services space; making it a fullyfledged one-stop shop.

Old Mutual Investment Group (Pvt) Ltd
(The Asset Management Company)
Old Mutual Investment Group Zimbabwe
(Private) Limited (OMIGZIM) offers clients
an array of investment options through five
focused investment boutiques: Alternative
Investments; Select Equity Investments;
Core Equity Investments; Interest Bearing
Investments; and Property Investments.
Mushosho explains: “The boutiques cover a
broad risk-return profile that suit a variety of
client requirements. Using the products from
each boutique, our clients are also able to build
their own risk-return profile, to match their
specific investment portfolio requirements.
“Our investment boutiques are flexible, focused
and independent business divisions whose
objectives are strongly aligned to the objectives
of our clients.”
OMIG also offers short-term investment
solutions through Unit Trusts which offer clients
an easily accessible and convenient way to
invest in shares, money, market instruments,
and property investment opportunities.

CABS (Banking)
“Through Central Africa Building Society (CABS),

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a banking subsidiary that is wholly owned by
Old Mutual Zimbabwe, we offer a diverse range
of financial products and services delivered
through the largest branch network in the
country. The expansive branch network is linked
to the CABS online real-time computer system,”
Mushosho describes.
CABS boasts an award-winning mobile banking
app that allows customers to transact from
anywhere in the world, as well as its leading
innovation - Textcash - which serves as a
low-cost mobile banking solution aimed at
making banking accessible and affordable to all
Zimbabweans.

Old Mutual Insurance Company (Pvt) Ltd
(The General Insurance Company)
Old Mutual Insurance Company (OMICO) offers
insurance solutions to public, commercial,
industrial and corporate entities and is one
of the most mature and largest short-term
insurance operators in the country.
Mushosho adds: “OMICO values include
integrity, honesty and being ethical. The
Company has excellent business relations with
its brokers and agents who offer clients personal
service, and maintains an independent credit
rating by Global Credit Rating.”

Old Mutual Custodial Services (The
Custodian)
“Through Old Mutual Custodial Services
(OMCUS) we offer a wide range of services to
local institutions and individuals trading on
the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and the
Money Market,” Mushosho states. “OMCUS’
primary service offering constitutes safe custody
and settlement of securities - bonds, equities
and money market instruments.”
Old Mutual Securities (The Stockbroking
Company)
Old Mutual Securities offers a wide range of
services to investors including the buying and
selling of shares, research and limited custodial
services.

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and ultimately the entire nation to break the cycle of
inter-generational poverty that enslaves thousands of our
people.”
Through CABS, the Company’s banking arm, internet
and mobile banking facilities have also been improved
to achieve universal access to banking for the entire
country. The general insurance business is also rolling out
complementary services including a Whatsapp notification
platform, courtesy car cover, and a drought insurance
product.
“Zimbabwe has become an ‘informalised economy’
so we have responded with appropriate products for the
market,” Mushosho emphasises. “Also, the digital era has
taken over and therefore we are adjusting to it through
eCommunications and eTransactions for premium
payments and claims settlements; as well as through
products such as the EasyInsure mobile funeral cover
product and our tailor-made retail products.”

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Building
Partnerships
Anchored on Excellence

Positive futures

To facilitate such widespread and comprehensive
external development, Old Mutual’s internal evolution
is every bit as considered, with much of its focus
surrounding hiring the right personnel, training them
the right way and instilling a sense of pride within its
workforce to encourage optimum retention.

Subsequently building a culture of
excellence throughout the Group,
the drive to empower employees and
to manifest their own professional
development is compounded by a local
emphasis in Zimbabwe to ensure longterm sustainability also.
Mushosho says: “The Company
continuously benchmarks its people
practices of hiring, training and
retention against international best
practices through annual participation
in the Top Employer survey and has
recently been certified ‘Top Employer

The Financial Gazette
@FingazLive
www.financialgazette.co.zw

Africa’ for 2017.
“Our local employment strategy
is largely focused on growing our
own timber. For this reason, we run
various programmes which rely on
local supply of skills such as graduate
trainee programmes and participation
in the TOPP programme. Our strategy
is supported by comprehensive
and robust talent management,
development and retention practices.”
This holistic and sustainable philosophy emanates further into society via
its corporate social responsibility initia-

tives bridging areas of rural energy and
digitisation, sponsorship of the arts
and sport, and of course education.
Mushosho continues: “Old Mutual’s
interventions in society are in pursuit
of our purpose, which is to help our
customers thrive by enabling them to
achieve their lifetime financial goals,
while investing their funds in ways that
will create positive futures for them,
their families and the community and
world at large.
“As the leading integrated financial
services Group, three years from now,
we would want to have extended our
dominant position by growing our
market share and exploiting pockets of
growth which will ensure our business
is future fit as the world drives to a
more digitalised way of operating.
“This involves servicing the
financially excluded customer and a
whole strategy and operation has been
set up to drive this financial inclusion
strategy.”

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Credit
Where Credit is Due
Victoria Commercial Bank has overcome a series of industry challenges in
2016 to enhance its balance sheet and client base beyond expectations
Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Sturart Parker

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ictoria Commercial
Bank has defied the
odds and thrived
beyond expectations to
ensure its ongoing
development in a volatile Kenyan
financial domain.
Despite the hangover from 2015’s
industry slowdown affecting Tier 2
and tier 3 operators, and this year’s
legislative change and banking
amendment bill; the institution
has consolidated where necessary,
capitalised on its strengths effectively,
and ultimately ensured a year of
relative progression.
Managing Director, Yogesh Pattni
explains: “Our goals for 2016 were
generally realised but the change in
legislation in banking, and the capping
on interest rates naturally provided
a bit of a dampener and slowdown
as far as the extension of credit was
concerned.
“As a result, there was a bit of
a slowdown in the last quarter of
the year and it also reduced the
profitability for the institution as it
did for all the banks in the sector.
However, the impact to Victoria
Commercial Bank has not been as
great as other institutions have
faced.”
This resilience has derived from
its positioning in a very niche
market segment, but even more so
because of the select base of clients
already established and loyal to the
institution.
In fact, the past 12 months
have witnessed an increase in the
institution’s client base, as well as
on its balance sheet; a feat reflective
of the confidence placed in Victoria
Commercial bank among both
customers and shareholders.
“We’ve seen growth on all fronts
and, had the new banking act not
come into effect, the growth would
have been even more than what we
will publish at the end of the year,”
Pattni emphasises.

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C O M M E R C I A L

B A N K

SIMBA TECHNOLOGY LTD

S

imba Technology Ltd, established
in 1996, is the leading system
integrator in Eastern Africa,
associated with Victoria Commercial
Bank since 2012.
Following the successful
implementation of a core banking
system (FINACLE CBS) we have further
deployed Simbank internet banking,
mobile banking, and integration with
Kenya Interbank Transactions Switch
(KITS).
The Company offers a host of other
value added services such as processing
of both incoming and outgoing
messages, transaction alerts via SMS and
email, email statements, general banking
advice customer relationship messages
such as a birthday or anniversary.
Through our channels solutions, VCB’s
customers have been empowered
to virtually perform any type of
transaction anywhere, anytime.

A safe and secure environment

Sign of confidence

The negative 2016 bookends endured
by the banking sector - with the Tier
2 and 3 slowdown at the beginning
and the new bill at the end of the year
- makes Victoria Commercial Bank’s
relative rise all the more impressive,
but nevertheless, there was an
element of expectation management
that needed to occur between the
institution and its clients.
Fortunately, the reputation that the
Company has, and the subsequent
loyalty that its clients show it, has laid
the foundations for this successful
consolidation.
“It was important that we let them
know that their funds were safe, and
that we are different from the rest
in that we are a value management
institution,” Pattni says. “The message
was that they may have concerns but
we are still well managed and their
money is still safe with us. They should
not be overly concerned. And that has
turned out to be true.

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We are actually
very well placed
in terms of capital and
various ratios we have
to meet. In the current
environment, this has
been difficult to
achieve, but
nevertheless we’ve
had very good support
from all our
shareholders...

“Even later on when further
turbulent times came, many of our
clients did not ask for any withdrawals
or anything and were less concerned
with the safety of their funds.”
Affirming this industry standing
further has been Victoria Commercial
Bank’s most esteemed new
partnership of 2016 in the form of
MasterCard; a globally significant
operator who has trusted the
institution’s service enough to
introduce one of its most prominent
credit cards to the former’s remit.
As the institution’s first credit
card, the share capital and customer
base has immediately grown in
response to the unveiling and once
again epitomises the confidence that
existing shareholders and prospective
partners place in the business.
Pattni continues: “We are actually
very well placed in terms of capital and
various ratios we have to meet. In the
current environment, this has been
difficult to achieve, but nevertheless

we’ve had very good support from all
our shareholders and I believe that’s a
very good sign of confidence moving
forward.
“Attracting a company like
MasterCard is a great indictment of
where we are. And the card they have
given us is one of their top rated cards
so that also speaks quite highly of how
they view us and our client base.”

A very well managed institution

Inevitably, customer retention and
attraction has been positively impacted
by associations with companies like
MasterCard, but it also keeps the
institution on its toes in regards to
improving its internal structure and
remaining innovative in a challenging
environment.
From a technological perspective,
this includes keeping abreast of
industry trends not just in Africa but
worldwide, while from a personnel
point of view, the willingness to
educate, train and promote continues

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C O M M E R C I A L

At the forefront of modernity throughout its facilities and services

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to evolve year on year.
“It’s very critical that besides
keeping them educated, that our
workforce know at all times what’s
happening in regards to industry
trends, various sanctions, and anything
that might affect our clients,” Pattni
notes. “And for that we even send
them overseas to take training courses
and to ensure that at least the heads of
units are completely aligned to what’s
happening in the rest of the world.
“This also fits into our corporate social
responsibility strategy, in which we have
25 charities now that we are currently
helping. We have different trustees who
manage this and take responsibility for
the different charities, and this covers
everything from education, to food, to
health and to mentoring.”
Flourishing through tough times

We’ve done very well this year considering the
overall banking crisis that’s gone through
Kenya... and have managed to maintain our loan
default level at zero for the 12th year running

For the latter, both senior and
junior members of staff work on
Saturdays alongside orphaned
children as mentors both in life skills
and education; epitomising a general
awareness that Victoria Commercial
Bank has of the communities in which
it operates and the impacts that this
will have on Kenya’s economy.
In the 12 months to come, much of
this awareness will be centred on the
country’s impending elections which
inevitably bring about uncertainty,
leaving the banking sector reliant
on being flexible and quick to adapt
to any potential fluctuations once

Victoria Commercial Bank HQ

again. Fortunately though, as Victoria
Commercial Bank has proved this year,
the institution is in a position to be able
to cope with - and even flourish under such conditions.
“Considering past experiences in
election times, it may be prudent to try
and maintain where we are now and to
take a cautious approach, but we also
believe that being in the position we
are in at the moment, and the current
environment in the banking sector, will
allow us to capitalise on opportunities
to get some more good clients on
board,” Pattni concludes. “Our share
capital and our ratios are very healthy
at this point so we may well embark on
any opportunities that do arise.
“We’ve done very well this year
considering the overall banking crisis
that’s gone through Kenya - and
particularly so in the Tier 2 and 3
groupings - and have managed to
maintain our loan default level at zero
for the 12th year running.
“This is quite commendable and it
shows Victoria Commercial Bank to
be a very well managed institution,
especially during this quite challenging
time.”

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Flexible Aviation

Solutions

aking off in 2000, Solenta
Aviation’s rapid growth,
diversification and
expansion over the past
16 years is testament to
the customisability strived for within
the business. Yet despite its marketleading intercontinental status, the
Company is only just getting started.
Incepted as a business to support
DHL and the oil & gas industry with

Flying high in Africa’s contract
aviation industry, Solenta
Aviation has created a unique
service proposition on
numerous fronts to become a
go-to operator on an
increasingly international scale
Writer: Matthew Staff
Project Manager: Callam Waller

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aircraft leases in Africa, these relatively
humble - albeit still impressive beginnings have ignited a hugely
accelerated rise to prominence ever
since; growing organically in line with
customer demand to now own more
than 100 aircraft and to cater for a
whole host of customers around the
world.
“Over the years we’ve seen the
support of DHL expand beyond the

S H I P P I N G

&

initial aircraft, while in support of oil
& gas we’ve provided more and more
aircraft into more and more countries,”
Business Development Manager,
Michael Adams affirms. “ Additionally
though, we’ve also seen an expansion
in our customer base too, moving
into NGOs such as the United Nations
(UN) and the International Red Cross,
and also expansion into providing
direct support for scheduled airline
operations.”
As demand has increased, so too has
Solenta Aviation’s service offering and
niche adaptations, ensuring that it has
become a flexible, bespoke provider
for a host of requirements and
clients. And, as part of this cycle, such
improvements have in turn facilitated
even more concerted expansion and
diversification for the Company.
Adams continues: “For example,
for oil & gas producers you need to be

L O G I S T I C S

Customers like
the United
Nations require strict
audits so once you’re
on their tender list,
that then emanates
around the globe and
opens up a whole
host of other
opportunities

OGP compliant and to go through
those audit processes to be on their
list of preferred vendors, and once
you’re on that list, you then open
yourself up to a broader base of oil &
gas companies as a consequence.
“It’s the same in the NGO space.
Customers like the United Nations
require strict audits so once you’re
on their tender list, that then
emanates around the globe and
opens up a whole host of other
opportunities.
“Our strategy moving forward is
to therefore continue expanding this
customer base, and to also expand
geographically as we do so.”

tandardAero StandardAero has always
been a key partner for its customers. We
understand that the maintenance repair
and overhaul (MRO) is a critical part of any
operator’s business model, with substantial
costs associated with an airline’s technical
capability and logistics configuration,
including the degree of vertical supply
chain integration and outsourcing practices.
These cost typically range between 10 and 15
percent or an airlines’ total operating cost,
and engine MRO activity will range between
45 and 55 percent of the maintenance
cost. This is exactly why StandardAero
partners with operators to develop
dedicated solutions based on flexibility and
customisation to our customers’ needs. By
using StandardAero services, Solenta is one
example of the partnership solution covering
the RR Ae3007 engine, PW100 and PT6 engine
LRU series by optimising cost and technical
service solutions.
This type of solution development is possible
based on the StandardAero extensive
product knowledge, 25 years of MRO
experience and a deep co-operation with
the engine manufacturers. StandardAero is
a Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney approved
maintenance organisation. StandardAero is
also the only independent GE TruEngine MRO
provider, providing operators the guarantee
of state-of-the-art repair & overhaul
engineering solutions as well as the flexibility
of an independent provider.
Operators often assume they know the most
economical solution, but having redesigned
and won decades of long term agreements,
and save operators money. While most
service providers are offering a standard
response to an RFP with in-depth coverage,
StandardAero is customising engine and

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LRU maintenance solutions to meet the
operator’s specific operational, financial and
maintenance requirements. Comprehensive
programs have their time and place, covering
all scheduled and unscheduled shop visits to
correct defects or performance deterioration
beyond serviceable limits, but in many
scenarios that is not what the operator
actually needs. Comprehensive programs
factor in the the cost of all labour, materials,
component repair, and engine tests that is
necessary to return the engine to serviceable
condition, but in most cases, money is left on
the table.
StandardAero works to mix an exhaustive
list “à la carte” services, which could include
for example: service bulletins, airworthiness
directives, engine removal and installation
assistance, availability of lease engine,
engine LRU repair, engine LRU exchange,
transportation to and from StandardAero
facilities, replacement of life limited parts,
emergency/unscheduled/AOG maintenance,
engine Health Trend Monitoring assistance,
trouble shooting support, training and
program management to find the right
solution for you.
Engine maintenance costs continue to
increase while the competitive environment
for operators continues to grow more
aggressive. Alignment with key partners in this
value chain proves to be a key differentiator to
success. StandardAero is positioned play that
role for you and your organisation.

www.standardaero.com/engines

NINE ENGINES

CFM

CFM56

FIVE ENGINE OEMs

ONE

GE

CF34TM
P&WC

PW100
P&WC

STANDARDAERO

PW600
P&WC

PT6A
Selecting an MRO service partner for your
commercial fleet is an important decision.
Narrow it down to the one that offers the
most comprehensive and flexible portfolio
of MRO solutions for large and small fan
engines, turboprops and APUs – StandardAero.

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OEM-Authorized by the five largest
engine manufacturers.

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Want to know more? Visit us at

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www.standardaero.com/engines

CFM56 is a trademark of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Safran Aircraft Engines and GE.
CF34 is a trademark of GE.

ATR72-500s, ERJ 135 LRs and ERJ
145 LRs epitomises the variety that
now exists within Solenta Aviation;
lending itself towards an exciting
period of development for the
business.
By the end of 2016, two ATR72500s will be delivered to Cuba as
part of its drive into the Caribbean,
while 2017 is set to incorporate a
heightened focus in Asia; namely
Indonesia and India.
South American prospects
make up the final jurisdiction to
complement its existing presence in
Africa and the Middle East.

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More and more
customers are
recognising our
reliability because of
our track record
principally in Africa

“More and more customers are
recognising our reliability because of
our track record principally in Africa,”
Adams explains. “Essentially, if we can
do it there, then we can do it anywhere
else in the developing and developed
world.
“Of course, this also requires
improved logistical considerations
though, and we often joke now that
we’re essentially a logistics Company
that happens to fly aeroplanes.”
To facilitate such widespread
external growth, a series of internal
investments also take place on a yearly
basis, inevitably beginning with fleet

S H I P P I N G

&

additions and improvements, but also
embracing a host of technological
enhancements and personnel
refinements.
Regarding the former, a new IT
platform is already in the offing to
bridge all systems currently logging
maintenance activities, the supply
chain and contract control; while
the latter focuses on attracting,
developing and retaining the very
best personnel across all facets of the
Group.
“We have no problem in attracting
the cream of the crop for openings
in aircraft engineering, piloting

L O G I S T I C S

We have no
problem in
attracting the cream
of the crop for
openings in aircraft
engineering, piloting
and administration

and administration,” Adams says.
“Inevitably there is an attrition rate,
but the contract flying space suits a
lot of people and our strategy is to
present Solenta Aviation as a quality
business offering quality training;
looking to retain our staff for as long
as possible so they contribute to the
continued growth of the business.
“Being employed by and
participating within a growing
business is an exciting prospect for
potential candidates.”

Uniquely broad service

The end goal throughout Solenta

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S O L E N T A

A V I A T I O N

Aviation’s evolution has been to
provide customers with an unrivalled
and comprehensive service
proposition, driven by a flexibility to
be able to react to any demands in the
present and future.
Embracing new efficiencies,
technologies, sizes and
specifications, the end service
is always aligned to its loyal
customers’ requirements.
“We offer flexible aviation
solutions and that’s how we define
Solenta Aviation,” Adams says. “At
present, customers might be looking

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We offer flexible
aviation
solutions and that’s
how we define Solenta
Aviation

for larger or more sophisticated
aircraft and we can provide that.
Alternately they may even want their
own cabin crew on board, in which
case we’ll just fly the aircraft for them.

S H I P P I N G

&

“Or even further still, we can even
train their own flight and Cabin Crew
as well as their Aircraft Maintenance
Engineers, as a South African Civil
Aviation Authority Approved Training
Organisation (ATO) able to facilitate
that training.”
Further simulator acquisitions to
facilitate the latter proposition once
again highlights the dedication that
Solenta Aviation has towards creating
a turnkey portfolio, and to meeting the
unique requirements of each individual
client as the Company embarks on the
next phase of its evolution.
“I would suggest that over the next
couple of years, we’ll see even further
growth in the fleet of aircraft that we
operate, further growth in terms of
new aircraft being brought into the
fleet, more jurisdictions around the
world in which we provide aircraft, and
a broader customer base in general,”
Adams enthuses. “Over the first 16
years, we have clearly differentiated
ourselves through our uniquely broad

L O G I S T I C S

I would suggest
that over the
next couple of years,
we’ll see even further
growth in the fleet of
aircraft that we
operate

service offering; showing that it’s not
just about providing the aircraft, but
also about the support we can give
each customer.
“We have an established track
record, a diverse and quality base of
both historical and existing customers
and we have proved ourselves
as a customer-focused business
prepared to listen to the customer
and to be flexible in the aviations
solutions we can provide; both for
existing customers, and all potential
customers in the future.”

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C I T Y D I A

N I G E R I A

Price
Proximity and

Encouraged by the future, Citydia Nigeria is a major driving force in the
expansion of the neighbourhood supermarket industry in Africa
Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Joshua Mann

irst Master Retailers
and accelerating the transformation
(FMR) is a Company
from open markets to modernised
borne out of in-depth
markets.”
insight into the market
A core focus is placed on creating
of modern trade;
exactly the same feel in every store,
addressing a grossly underserved
from those in the well-to-do areas,
Nigerian market consisting of only six
to those in the less affluent areas;
percent of consumption passing
in every aspect from the look and
through a modern trade environment. cleanliness to the customer service
With such an abundance of
and standards.
opportunity available in the market
Aganbi explains: “If you were to go
for a Company to tap into, FMR which
into any one of our stores and close
holds the master franchise rights for
your eyes, you would feel very much
DIA and its Nigerian brand Citydia,
inside of the DNA of a Citydia Nigera
made the decision to search for a
store.”
global partner with the technical
In establishing high standards once,
credentials and expertise to support
it is able to roll-out that benchmark
its exciting enterprise; a partner which to be enforced in all Citydia stores,
they found in Dia Global.
including human relations,
“Our Company
technology and the local
philosophy is quite
feel of the store with its
simple, we focus
high quality and fairly
on price and
priced products. It
proximity,”
is the dedication
explains
to consistently
Valentine Aganbi,
replicating itself
Managing
in the market
Director and
combined with
Chief Executive
a progressive
Officer at Citydia
approach to
Valentine Aganbi, Managing
Nigeria. “We
competition which
Director and Chief Executive
Officer at Citydia Nigeria
believe this is pivotal
sets the Company
to unlocking the market
apart in the industry.

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C I T Y D I A

N I G E R I A

Citydia aims to touch base with every need in the market

“The idea of competition is very
exciting to me, in fact it is music to
my ears; there is no amount of money
that my shareholders could provide
to invest in the market which would
enable the transformation we desire,
so we need more players not less,”
adds Aganbi. “Down the road we will
worry about market share, for now it is
growing and we want to grow faster,
competitors can come along for the
exciting ride.”

Innovative processes

There are two main sections to the
product range, Dia own brand
produce and the other national
brands which are already well
established.
“We have had varying
levels of success
when introducing Dia
own brands into
the market, which
is to be expected
with the need for
adaptation time,”
Aganbi continues.
“We also provide
the main brands,
the Nestles and
Unilever’s of the
world; people that

82

come to the store must be able to
find what they know, therefore we
make sure that we have that covered
to touch base with every need in the
market.”
When comparing Citydia to its
hypermarket competitors, this is a vital
component which sets it apart. Inside
of a 400 square metre space it is able
to contain an excellent mixture which
will tend to the neighbourhood needs.
“The most important thing is that
we continue to bring in innovations,
including those from local vendors that
can provide exciting products which
are already well known in the open
markets. Some of these products
can often prompt a nostalgic
response as customers
experienced them
growing up, now we can
bring them back to the
market in excellent
modern packaging,”
affirms Aganbi.
Compounding its
innovative processes,
the Company
encourages the
development of
young entrepreneurs
to sell and grow
within the safety net of

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C I T Y D I A

N I G E R I A

Customers are at the forefront of the Company focus

Citydia’s support system. This enables
them to upgrade standards in respect
to the expectations of the global
market, which remains invaluable.
“We are very aware that it is critical
to the competitiveness of our brand
offerings and pricing that we have
a solid value chain. Not only should
it be import based but also
established and expanding in the
local Nigerian markets,” Aganbi
states.

Transforming the market

The success Citydia Nigeria has
experienced through its solid business
model has re-affirmed investor’s belief
in the Company, supplying even more
money for the stores.
“We’ve invested several millions of
dollars in the venture and the board
has approved more to continue,”
Aganbi says. “With this we have

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been able to gain world-class furniture
in the stores, world-class equipment
and refrigeration equipment, and
top technology for our headquarters
where we have the latest servers and
systems to ensure that we are really
building a successful network for the
future.”
Not only does the Company focus
on providing a high-class physical
space and selection of produce, it also
places a high precedent on its delivery
between the warehouse, cold truck
and store. Multi-temperature trucks
are crucial for the supply chain,
maintaining a standing level of
freeze which is second to none in
the industry.
“Shoppers tell me the
reason they come back
is the quality of the frozen
products,” Aganbi adds. For example,
ice cream, you can taste that it hasn’t

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People have thanked and prayed for us, they
thought that in launching the store it was a true
recognition of their humanity and dignity

Citydia maintains consistently high standards

melted in transit and then refrozen,”
he adds. “We don’t compromise if we
see that there has been a break in the
value chain. Anything that has been
compromised we will pull out until
we are confident there is no breach
in quality. It is important to enforce
standards to shoppers, vendors and
investors so they know what we value
as a Company.”
There is a consistency in the
approach of Citydia, and high
standards are found throughout every
aspect of the business; proving its
long-term dedication to transforming
the market.

Citydia prides itself as a neighbourhood store

numerous areas where the majority
of people will never have seen a
supermarket.
Socially responsible and profit
“People have thanked and prayed
minded
for us, they thought that in launching
Citydia prides itself on upholding
the store it was a true recognition
every responsibility that comes with
of their humanity and dignity. We
the title of a neighbourhood store,
aren’t doing these things because of
embarking on several initiatives where corporate social responsibility, it’s vital
it provides food and monetary support to remember that you can be socially
to orphanages; also providing support responsible while remaining profit
to vendors to better themselves.
minded,” Aganbi interjects. “These
It is important that the residents
people may not earn great sums of
in the neighbourhood understand
money as individuals, but as a group
exactly what retail is about as there are and force they do have the spending

power to make Citydia a success.”
With the customers remaining at
the forefront of the Company focus,
it has been important to stop them
having to make the trek out of their
neighbourhood, making Citydia’s local
emphasis all the more significant.
Essentially, the Company holds the
values which state that no town is
more important than another and it
will continue to roll out these stores to
the neighbourhoods.
“I believe that over time we will
be able to measure the impact of the
Company in preventing illness and
reducing absentees in students and
parents,” Aganbi states.“We think of
our business not just in profit, but to
be socially responsible in everything
that we do, make a profit while doing
good, and remembering that if the
profit requires you doing anything but
good then it’s not worth it.”
In the difficult times that Nigeria
has faced, many professionals and
businesses could be discouraged
from entering the market, however,
it is important to remember that
the fundamentals are there. People
will always need bread, clothing and
water, pasta and rice and therefore the
primary business drivers are re-building
confidence.
“I would say the best is yet to come.
We are still encouraged by the future
and pressing ahead with our exciting
plans; there may be challenges in the
short-term but I am standing firm with
our ambitions and we are going for it,”
concludes Aganbi.

ince its doors opened in
1947, Vital Health Foods
has instilled a desire
within the Company
culture to give all South
Africans the ability to obtain natural
and affordable solutions for good
all-round health.
Seven decades since its inception,
Vital is now the leading supplements
manufacturer in Africa having
acquired the Wassen/Efamol UKbased Company; it currently owns and
manufactures Vital Supplements and
health foods, Wassen supplements,
Efamol essential fatty acids, Zehra Age
Beautifully hydrolysed collagen and
Burgess & Finch aromatherapy.
2015 brought about
significant change
for the Company as
it progressed from
its original state as a
100 percent familyowned business, to
having Leaf Capital
as investors with a
significant share in Vital
Health Foods.

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The health food industry is proving
to be a highly attractive prospect to
investors, mainly due to the growth
potential in the health industry; with
consumer trends indicating that health
is a lifestyle priority.
All produce is manufactured
according to international
pharmaceutical and food quality
standards, and over the years Vital has
gained quality qualifications befitting a
Company of its standing in the industry.
“Our pharmaceutical quality
certifications include the Medicines
Control Council (MCC), Good
Manufacturing Practice (GMP),
which was received in 1986 for the
first time, the Therapeutic Goods

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Administration (TGA) of Australia’s GMP
Clearance Certificate and the British
Retail Consortium (BRC),” explains Kay
Nash, Group CEO at Vital Health Foods.
“Together these all ensure that the
facility and the products produced meet
stringent international pharmaceutical
quality criteria.”
Vital Health Foods began very
humbly considering the heights it has
now reached, as the first health foods
company in Africa with a vision of helping
to both inspire and empower better
health for everyday families.
“Even after 70 years, health is at the
core of everything that we do and our
efforts remain on giving customers
solutions which will help them make
healthier choices each
and every day,” clarifies
Nash. “Vital Health Foods
has remained steadfast
in the South African
market over the decades
and have invested in
achieving consumer
trust that supports our
proud heritage and
provenance.”

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V I T A L

H E A L T H

F O O D S

BIORIGINAL

B

ioriginal Europe/Asia, B.V. located
in Den Bommel, the Netherlands
is a manufacturer of marine and
plant omega oils and plant protein
powders.
Through the control of our supply
chain, an in-house blending facility and
providing the best possible customer
service, Bioriginal is in a unique and
flexible position to offer innovative
omega concepts and solutions to our
customers.
Bioriginal will be exhibiting at Vitafoods,
the global nutraceutical event, held
between the 9-11 May, 2017 in Geneva.
At stand G20, we will share our
knowledge and exhibit new products &
concepts for upcoming market trends.
Visit our website for regular updates at

www.bioriginal.nl

’Ageing beautifully’ is just one of the consumer demands adhered to by Vital

Having now established itself as a
household brand, Vital compounded
its efforts on earning and retaining
consumers trust by delivering quality,
regular production of new offerings,
daily health advice and category
through leadership. Now more than
ever, consumers have become more
health conscious in their everyday
lives and embrace the importance of
their health in every small action; they
will see Vital as an important health
partner for their health journey.

Growing market share

The main focus for Vital during the
1990s was growing market share,
which brought about the launch of the
first Vital Multivitamin range, which
was consequently supported by the
brand’s first television campaign.
Progressing from here, the early 2000s
introduced condition-specific products
which specifically addressed the needs
of everyday families.
Vital has taken a leading role over

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Growing the category of national supplements

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the years in growing the category of
nutritional supplements by working
with and actively participating in
stakeholder activities and professional
organisations in the industry, such
as SMASA (The Self Medication
Manufacturing Association of
South Africa), IPM (The Institute for
People Management), PSSA (the
Pharmaceutical Society of South
Africa) and SAAPI (The South African
Association of Pharmacists in Industry).
Employees are also fully involved in
the Company development and brand,
participating in regular workshops in
health and wellness, while also having
access to an onsite health professional.
“We encourage our team members to
live a thoroughly healthy daily lifestyle
by using the indoor gym facilities,
taking part in group exercise classes
and consulting in-house dieticians
about what they should eat and how
they should exercise,” says John Knox,
Group Commercial Director, Vital Health
Foods.

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From Sea & Soil to Oil
Contracting area for unique
variety of seeds like Rigel
Evening Primrose

The Company has reaped the
rewards for its approach to all-round
health, having won the Sunday Times
Discovery Healthy Company Index
Survey Award for the Healthiest
Company in 2011 and 2012.
Similarly to its work with the
Company’s employees, Vital has always
had a similar focus on uplifting the
community and with that, the Vital
Foundation was established in 2013.

Positive impact on health

First and foremost, Vital Health Foods
is a consumer-focused Company that
actively seeks out solutions to help
enrich and enable consumers to live
healthier everyday lives.
“We believe that everyone can
become healthier if they focus on
small, incremental improvements
every day,” comments Knox. “We
apply this principle by launching
products which address the needs of
consumers, employing dieticians at
the Vital Customer Care line to assist
consumers with health enquiries, most
recently offering a digital platform
which encourages consumers along
their health journey on a daily basis. In
terms of staff, the same philosophy is
applied, offering them on-site wellness
programmes and a clinic.”
In order to make a positive impact
on the health of each customer, Vital
has focused on providing the very best
quality products. It is evident that it
has been very successful in doing this
from the global quality certifications
awarded and continuous investment
that the Company makes into the
factory, assisted by the trust that

Making a positive impact

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Remaining relevant to everyone

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Ahead of the game by focusing on customer requirements

ensure that our Company keeps
abreast with the very latest research
and trends as far as supplementation
and health is concerned,” affirms Knox.
“We also speak directly to hundreds of
consumers every month through our
call centre.”
With its constant approach to
remain innovative in the industry, Vital
expanded into the effervescent market
in 2014 through a licensing agreement in
order to expand its reach to consumers
who were interested in supplementing
their diets in a refreshing way.
While expanding its reach in
supplements, the Company has also
expanded into the snacking market,
with its range of mini rice cakes and
mini corn cakes as a means of reaching
consumers on the go that are looking
for healthier snack alternatives.
“We remain ambitious in our mission
to enable people to be healthier in
their everyday life, the coming years
will bring about some exciting changes
to our Company and we can’t wait
to see them come into fruition,”
concludes Knox.

Facilitating a healthier day-to-day life

consumers have continued to place in
the brand for almost 70 years.
Knox continues: “Throughout our
history, Vital Health Foods has always
been seen as a key opinion leader and
innovator, having always been ahead
of its time by focusing on customers.
We led the healthy snacking market
before healthy food was a mainstream
trend and have continued to work hard
to health recognised as something
relevant to everyone.”

Leadership on a national scale

The Company continuously manages

to demonstrate
leadership on a
national scale. Vital’s
experts are regularly
approached by
the media for its
opinion as health
leaders; while also
training pharmacists
across retail outlets
and advising retailers on
health trends and research.
“Consumer needs change
and evolve over time, which
we are very aware of and therefore

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Grow

With Us
NWK Agri-Services Zambia is discovering opportunities for the
development and growth of small scale farmers
Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Kane Weller

he business was
established in the
Mumbwa district as
Mumbwa Cotton Ginnery
Limited. Later it
developed to a privately owned
Company by the name of Dunavant.
The business was sold on to Louis
Dreyfus Company (LDC), a Company
best known as an international grain
merchant. Today LDC still owns 40
percent of the shares, with the
remaining 60 percent sold to the South
African-based agricultural Company,
NWK Limited. The Company has
maintained an impressive status as
long-term market leader in the cotton
industry in Zambia. Now NWK
Agri-Services proudly manages the
largest cotton out-grower scheme in
Zambia, with a farmer base of 120,000
to its name.
NWK Agri-Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; focus remains
firmly with small scale farmers; each
year the business strives to gain more
cotton farmers to grow as part of

NWK Agri-Services. Expanding into
commercial farming is an aspect the
Company is looking into, however,
this will be focused on input supply
and grain handling due to the lack of
commercial farmers involved in cotton
production.
Traditionally known as a cotton-only
Company, NWK Agri-Services ran an
out-growers scheme in Zambia where
the small-scale farmers are producing
the cotton and delivering it back to NWK
Agri-Services. Since NWK South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
involvement with the business five
years ago, it has made a unique effort
to diversify in the Company by involving
itself in grain handling as well as input
supply to farmers.
As a persistent innovator in the
sector, NWK Agri-Services has had
to face some adversity in the past
few years. The Company began an
ambitious initiative which focused
on efforts to mechanise small scale
farmers, something which has now
been put on hold.

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N W K

A G R I - S E R V I C E S

Z A M B I A

AGRIFOCUS LIMITED

A

grifocus Limited is an owner-run
business whose model is based
on the provision of solutions
aimed at:
Crop Protection
These solutions cover the crop in
the field and post-harvest using soft
pesticides. Key crops covered are
maize, soybeans, cotton, groundnuts,
vegetables, sorghum and sunflower.

Striving for production of 100,000 tonnes of
seed cotton

“The timing couldn’t have
been worse for us. We’ve had
two of the worst drought years
in recent history due to the El
Nino phenomenon, which really
hammered the yields of the newly
mechanised farmers and hampered
our progression in the project. Even
though it’s a concept that we firmly
believe in and know has a lot of
potential in the future, we have had to
put the brakes on it for now,” explains
Pierre Lombard, Chief Executive
Officer at NWK Agri-Services Zambia.
Not only has the Company had to
battle with the elements, it has also
had the ongoing battle of succeeding
while dealing with the cost of finance
in Zambia as well as fluctuating
currencies.
“No farmer can be truly successful
in an environment where they have to
pay 30 percent interest. It is an aspect
we need to resolve before we will
consider resuming with the project.”
Lombard adds.

Cotton is and will remain the mainstay
of NWK Agri-Services’ business for
the foreseeable future, but it is clear
this is dependent on what happens
across international markets. For
the Company, the goal of reaching
a consistent production of around
100,000 tonnes of seed cotton is at the
forefront of its plans.
“As far as cotton is concerned the

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As far as cotton
is concerned the
drive has always been
to improve the yield,
and to that end we
have an extensive
yield improvement
programme which we
use to train our
farmers

The solutions are targeted at benefiting
both smallholder farmers and large
scale farmers in the form of products
backed by technical extension advice
both through the electronic media (via
WhatsApp groups and e-mail platforms)
and through field visits with the goal of
transferring the above technologies to
empower the farmers.
NWK plays a key role by availing
Agrifocus Limited’s products and
technical support through its well
established network. Women and
youths who form the most vulnerable
group in the Zambian rural society are
key targets of the technology transfer
program or extension service delivery.
AgriFocus Limited pays particular
attention to a range of health and
safety issues including storage and
transport considerations, personal and
environmental protection, and safety in
use, re-entry after use, waste disposal
and emergencies relating to spillages,
poisoning and fire.
AgriFocus Limited has taken the
deliberate approach to avoid dealing
in highly toxic pesticides on its product
portfolio.

T +211 846 289
E info@agrifocuszambia.com

www.agrifocuszambia.com

N W K

A G R I - S E R V I C E S

drive has always been to improve
the yield, and to that end we have
an extensive yield improvement
programme which we use to train our
farmers,” expands Lombard.
Despite the efforts the Company
goes to in order to achieve the highest
standards in cotton production,
progress is limited due to stresses
on the cotton industry. Given the
relative low international cotton lint
price, there is very little investment in
cotton production; in order for NWK
Agri-Services to remain competitive,
it is continuously looking for ways to
reduce cost while focusing on ways to
increase seed cotton volumes.

Diversifying product range

NWK Agri-Services Zambia is one of
a few businesses in the Country to
involve itself in a broader base of
activities, as Lombard goes on to
clarify: “Most of the cotton companies
are cotton only companies; therefore
the fact that we’re involved in other
aspects is really diversifying our brand

Z A M B I A

SARO AGRO
INDUSTRIAL LTD

...we have found
other avenues
to grow the
profitability of the
Company. We did
invest a fair amount of
money in grain
handling equipment,
building grain
handling sites and
started working with
silo bags for grain
handling...

A

s a part of the wider SARO
Group, which commenced
operations in 1987, SARO Agro
Industrial Ltd (SARO) was founded
in 2007. As a multi-faceted supplier
and manufacturer of machinery, the
Company also offers an extensive range
of products and associated implements
for farmers throughout the region.
Our ranges include tractors, trailers
and agricultural equipment, machinery
for a wide variety of industries, pumps
and irrigation equipment, generators
and electric motors and solar power
solutions.
Our world-class after-sales and parts
back-up services mean you can count
on maximising the productivity of your
equipment. Whether it’s a routine
repair or a major breakdown we are
there for you. We also conduct periodic
servicing to ensure you get the best
uptime at the lowest cost.
With complete maintenance packages
available at its various workshops and
outlets in Lusaka, Mkushi or Kitwe,
SARO are well placed to offer its
products and services to a wide range
of sectors of the Zambian workforce as
well as exporting our products to the
Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola
and Malawi.
With investment and development into
our human resources, we aim to better
serve our customers and deal swiftly
and promptly with both our customers
and employees.
The Company also invests into
the infrastructure of the Zambian
agricultural industry to support
economic growth and improve the lives
of the Zambian people!
T 241477 / 845675 / 0965000051
E saro@saroagri.co.zm

www.sarozambia.com
One of a few businesses in the Country to involve itself in a broader base of activities

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SARO AGRO INDUSTRIAL LTD

Supplying all your farm
machinery needs
Since 1940 we have been helping farmers improve
their yields and maximise their profits.

and differentiating us from the other
companies within the industry. In
essence, cotton is a very seasonal
activity, so we have tried to increase
activity throughout the year.”
In its retail department, NWK
AGRI-SERVICES is looking to diversify
its product range. Looking closely at
suppliers who are willing to support
the Company in their search for the
ideal product range; something that a
large number of suppliers are prepared
to do.
In order to facilitate these changes,
the Company has had to hone its
supply chain management
strategy. For some products
it uses a central warehouse
approach, supported by
an efficient distribution
function. Bulky products
like fertiliser and animal
feeds are delivered by
suppliers directly to the
various retail outlets.
Lombard adds: “We had to

98

strike the balance over the past three
years of trying to cut costs whilst being
as effective as possible. Therefore, we
have found other avenues to grow the
profitability of the Company. We did
invest a fair amount of money in grain
handling equipment, building grain
handling sites and started working
with silo bags for grain handling
specifically.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

The African market has room for
exponential growth and is often
spoken about as the ‘next big thing’
in terms of potential. However, in
order for this potential to materialise
with a positive effect for companies
such as NWK Agri-Services, Zambia
will need to reach a point where its
agricultural policies are more stable;
unfortunately interference from the
Government in aspects such as closing
boarders and interference in the
agricultural commodity markets are
hindering private sector involvement
and progress.
Lombard continues: “We hope
that the whole system will evolve to
a point where the Government is less
involved in the agriculture markets,
while focusing their attention on the
development of the sector through
infrastructure development and
extension services. This would be the
ideal way to open up opportunities
for private agricultural companies
to get more involved in the process
of unlocking the vast agricultural
potential of the country.”
Capitalising on opportunities are
vital for a Company such as NWK
Agri-Services to thrive. For example
there are opportunities in retail to
expand its operations.
“If the correct strategy is
implemented we believe that the
Company can at least double the
number of retail stores we run in
the next two-three years. In order to
achieve the desired expansion we are

trying to utilise our already extensive footprint;
having started from zero we already have 12
retail outlets spread throughout the country,”
Lombard says.
NWK Agri-Services prides itself on its
aggressive growth strategy which brought the
Company much success in its grain handling
and storage division. Having started from
zero within the grain industry five years ago,
NWK Agri-Services has built a strong business,
handling and storing in excess of 100,00 tonnes
of grain, including maize, soya and sunflower
per annum.
“The type of growth which we hope to
achieve would be to double up on our grain
handling and storage ability. Obviously this is all
dependent on the policy framework referred to
previously.” Lombard concludes.
“The grain market is moving towards
bulk handling and therefore we will adjust
accordingly. Currently, virtually all of the
production by small scale farmers is handled
in bags. However, end users are increasingly
looking at bulk handling as a way to reduce
costs.”

016 has been full to the
brim with progress for
32Gi, including the
introduction of
innovative products, high
profile athlete endorsement and event
sponsors which will continue to grow
in 2017. Combined with the exponential
growth the business has reached over
the past three years of 30 percent yearon-year, it is an exciting time for the
Company.
With a continued focus on achieving
an innovative product range, 2017
will see a big push for an offering
internationally and the extension of
existing ranges.
As a leading endurance supplement
provider in South Africa, 32Gi has
centred its focus on providing
customers with high quality balanced
and sustainable energy supplements;
empowering them with the knowledge
needed for healthier nutritional
options.
“We understand that not all athletes
are created equal, what works for
one athlete does not necessarily work

Science to success

32Gi utilises

a blend of unique
carbohydrates to
ensure stability
for its customers
whether they are
performing at low or
high intensity

for another and each has different
requirements,” says the Company on
its website. “An athlete’s nutrition
intake will depend entirely on the kind
of session he or she is doing and these
are not always performance based.”

With the success it has experienced
over the years, 32Gi has
differentiated itself from others in
the sports nutrition industry with its
keen focus on health.
“Science has shown that during
high intensity exercise, glycogen
(natural carbohydrate) stores are
mainly utilised to provide energy
to the muscles. However, we think
about what a controlled pace and
intensity where fat can be utilised
as a primary energy source,” the
Company adds.
It places a high precedence
on the athlete, harnessing the
powerful natural energy stores that
are already there, which will then
depend on the way he or she fuels
themselves before and during an
exercise session.
“When an athlete is performing
at a controlled pace they have the
ability to utilise their fat stores
for energy and this can only be
done properly by consuming the
appropriate types and amounts

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101

3 2 G I

of carbohydrates and nutrients to
support this,” the Company explains.
“Science has demonstrated that a
fat efficient athlete will use a larger
amount of fat for energy over a
range of intensities assisting in
more glycogen which is a benefit in
endurance sport.”
32Gi utilises a blend of unique
carbohydrates to ensure stability
for its customers whether they are
performing at low or high intensity;
the product range designed centrally
around the athlete’s unique needs
while guiding them with support
and knowledge to their best fuelling
strategy.

102

Great care is taken to ensure that all the 32Gi
products are clean, simple and contain no
unnecessary additives

Health of the customer is always
a primary focus at 32Gi, with its
products designed specifically with the
consumer’s wellbeing in mind.
“Great care is taken to ensure that
all the 32Gi products are clean, simple
and contain no unnecessary additives.
The products contain no non-nutritive
sweeteners, artificial flavours or
colours,” says the Company. “We have
formulated all products in line with
the EFSA (European Food Standards
Authority) requirements to ensure that
the brand is of the highest standards.”

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Over the years the Company has
built up a reputation as a brand that
customers can trust and rely on to
put their needs first, having always
advocated health and the safety of the
consumer before performance.

Key industry partnerships

Industry partnerships are a pivotal
part to the success of companies such
as 32Gi, one particularly successful
relationship is between Challenge
Family and 32Gi; the partnership
will see the Company as the Official

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Nutrition partner of five major
European Challenge Family races
spanning throughout the remainder of
2016 and 2017.
“The partnership includes the
world’s largest long course triathlon
event, Challenge Roth, which has been
awarded the title of the ‘Race of the
Year’ for four consecutive years. More
than 5,500 athletes at Challenge Roth
will be fuelled around the course by our
premium nutrition products, including
Endure Drink, Chews, FoodBars and
Gels,” states the Company.
These partnerships are helping the
company fulfil its core focus, to fuel
endurance athletes.
“We have formed great
relationships and trust within the
multisport communities keeping our
products clean with no unnecessary
additives. Partnering with Challenge
Family further entrenches our
commitment to athletes, endurance
sports and events as we spread our

The Company has formed
great relationships and trust
within the multisport
communities

wings across the European continent,”
explains Mark Wolff, Co-Founder
and Director at 32Gi. “We are proud
to be working with such a credible
organisation such as Challenge Family
where our values are aligned to family,
health, fitness and performance.”
Additionally to Challenge Roth, the
Company has also involved itself in
partnerships with Challenge Heibronn
(GER), Challenge Denmark (DEN),
Challenge Paguera-Mallorca (ESP)
and Challenge Walchesee-Kaiserwinkl
(AUT), which has run from 2015 and
will continue into 2017.
The Challenge Group has been thrilled
to welcome the Company into its family
of partners, having worked closely
together in the development process
in order to create a premium nutrition
partnership that provides athletes with
the best possible nutrition for all of their
training and racing needs. Alongside
this the Company is able to deliver
innovative support as a progressive
partner to the various event owners.

o stranger to adversity
own. The remaining 30 percent and
in the 129 years since the South African equity is owned by
Company was
Eugene Rossouw, Edwin Dreyer and the
established by Thomas
Thos Begbie Share Trust.
Begbie in Johannesburg,
On the whole, the Company has
Thos Begbie & Co remains a constant
stayed true to its core as a foundry and
in the African manufacturing industry.
engineering business, however, in the
With an illustrious history in the
1960s it moved into a niche market
industry, numerous changes have been with the development of South African
made since its beginnings as a foundry Steel Plants and the beneficiation of
and engineering business. Prior to the minerals using large smelters.
outbreak of the Boer War in 1899 it
“Today we are recognised as
was a notable supplier of equipment
a global leader in the supply of
to the mining industry, during, it was
water-cooled cast and fabricated
taken over by the Transvaal Republic
components to the pyro-metallurgical
Government and used to produce
industry worldwide, and exports from
weapons for the Boer military.
the plant in Middelburg make up a
“An explosion in the plant in 1901
significant portion of the business,”
brought an end to the weapon
continues Groenwald.
manufacturing operations; it was
suspected that saboteurs were
Significant investments
responsible for the explosion,”
“The Company has an integrated plant
explains Joubert Groenewald,
that is focused on the manufacture of
Managing Director of Thos Begbie
the component from drawings all the
& Co. “The business was forced to
way through to the final shipment of
relocate to Middelburg at the end
the completed products, while also
of the war, and though it initially
providing specialist fabrication and
struggled as its main market had
machining services to the local
changed, the development of
industries.”
mining in the region soon
Becoming a recognised
provided opportunities.”
producer of waterThe Company
cooled components,
remained in the
with a particular focus
family until 1926
on the components
when it was sold to
manufactured out
the Anglo American
of high conductivity
Corporation Limited,
copper, has driven
which proceeded to sell
the need for stringent
it on to one of its first
quality control,
employees, Idris Rosser
inspection and testing
“Today we are
20 years later.
protocols within the
recognised as a global business.
In the years that
followed Thos Begbie
In order to maintain
leader in the supply
experienced exponential
the high standards,
of
water-cooled
levels of restructuring
significant investments
cast and fabricated have therefore taken
until its ownership
changed in 2008; a UK
components to the place within the
private equity group
foundry, with particular
pyro-metallurgical
formed Thos Begbie
focus on moulding
industry
Limited acquired 70
sand continuous
percent of the equity
mixers, a new high
worldwide...”
which it continues to
speed induction copper

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T H O S

B E G B I E

&

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DEKRA INDUSTRIAL RSA
(PTY) LTD

D

EKRA has been in a working
partnership with Thos Begbie
for the past 25 years. We have
specifically engineered techniques and
equipment for traditional and
advanced NDT.
DEKRA has a full Asset Integrity
Management division, which offers
the following services: Metallographic
Surface Replications, Material Testing
Laboratories (Reef & Middelburg),
Fitness for Service (FFS) confirmations,
Condition and Life Assessment, SPICA
creep stain monitoring.
The goal is to perform comprehensive
materials investigations and testing that
will support our customers to efficiently
manage the material safety and integrity
of their plants and components.

www.dekrasa.com
Significant investments in upgraded machinery are made each year

melting furnace, a sand reclamation
and recovery plant, and a sophisticated
computerised cast metal simulation
computer system.
“Significant investments in highly
skilled personnel have also been
made, and to this end a management
change has also been brought about
by the owners with the appointment
of a young team of Directors which
will lead the Company,” affirms
Groenewald. “The team has gone
through a planned management
development programme in order
to facilitate the preparation needed
for the challenges and future growth
prospects the business has identified.”

A policy of opportunities

With the business facilitated in a small
town, when vacancies arise Thos
Begbie advertise locally and where
possible will recruit from the local pool
of available personnel.
“We have promoted a policy of
opportunities for employee children,

106

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The team has
gone through a
planned management
development
programme in order to
facilitate the
preparation needed
for the challenges and
future growth
prospects the business
has identified

and this has provided us with a stable
and committed workforce. We are
proud to say that we currently have a
fourth generation employee working
at the plant,” Groenewald adds.
“The employee’s great grandfather,
grandfather and father have all retired
from the Company over the years.”
Retention of a committed workforce
is vital to the success of any company,
a factor which Thos Begbie is very
aware of, having run an apprenticeship
programme for many years which
has a specific focus on providing
the required training to develop the
technical skills needed to thrive in the
business.
“We work closely with the
Mpumalanga Tooling Initiative and
the Middelburg FET College, where
together with other local businesses,
we are providing the students with
practical training as part of their
curriculum,” explains Groenewald.
“When the students qualify, this
provides us with an excellent feeder

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Stringent quality control is carried out throughout each process

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T H O S

B E G B I E

&

C O

Bringing innovative products to fruition

opportunity into the Company.”
As members of the South African
Foundry Institute, Thos Begbie &
Co is able to provide continuous
development of the skills required
for success at many levels through its
foundry training facility, combined with
an excellent programme of lectures
and presentations.
Continuing with the theme of
progression throughout the Company,
retention of staff in key positions
is facilitated by giving positions of
authority and responsibility with
agreement on outcomes to incentivise
them in the concept of them ‘running
their own business’.

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Worldwide recognition

Our
manufacturing
ability has attained
worldwide respect,
and we believe that
this is our key
differentiator from our
local counterparts

Thos Begbie & Co has worked hard
to achieve a business model which
is largely customer-led, its primary
focus subsequently being on
improving equipment performance
for its customers and ensuring that
continuous improvement does not
incur any costs for the customers.
“Our manufacturing ability
has attained worldwide respect,
and we believe that this is our
key differentiator from our local
counterparts,” Groenewald adds.
“The Company’s international
footprint covers every major smelting
operation and we continue to strive

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An international footprint derives
from these facilities

for recognition as our customers’
preferred supplier for watercooled equipment for their
operations.”
While aiming for continued
success in the field of watercooled equipment, the Company
is partnering with a number of
specialist peers to ensure that its
base business remains stable and
continues to thrive as it enters other
markets.
“We currently hold a patent jointly
with SAVEWAY of Germany, on a
piece of technology where fibre optic
sensors are cast into the copper
equipment, enabling the operations to

Numerous global partnerships contribute to the
end product

continuously monitor the equipment
performance and the conditions within
the furnace.”
Alongside partnering with
SAVEWAY, it has also obtained a
partnership with Vaal University

Technology (VUT) and is in
the process of developing 3D
printing moulds and cores for
the foundry. It is anticipated that
exciting developments such as
these will allow the Company
to produce castings for both
industries and businesses which
at present it doesn’t have the
capabilities to supply.
“We are moving into very exciting
times and it is my hope that in the
next few years the initiatives we are
currently working on will have been
brought to fruition, bringing continued
growth and success,” concludes
Groenewald.

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109

ame
THE WATER INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (WISA)

The Water Institute
of Southern Africa

The Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) and its members
know that water is life!
he Water Institute of
Southern Africa (WISA) is
a member association
for the water sector in
South Africa and
neighbouring countries. It is also
recognised by SAQA as a Professional
Body. WISAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision is to promote
professional excellence in the water
sector, through building expertise,
sharing knowledge and improving
quality of life. WISA is a non-profit
company, is a registered public benefit
organisation, and is currently at Level 3
BEE compliance.
WISA is always striving to build
partnerships with strategic stakeholders
in the water sector, and to ensure its
sustainability through effective and
efficient controls and good corporate
governance. In addition, WISA is
passionate about environmental and
social sustainability. WISA is also always
trying to synergise and to collaborate

110

with other organisations and individuals, Water Innovation Technologies,
to make a significant difference in the
Water Reuse, Water Science and
water sector.
Young Water Professionals.
These branches and divisions
WISA structures
make sure that every member has
WISA serves its members through
a place where they can contribute,
different structures, mainly offering
share knowledge and network with
services through its valuable base
likeminded professionals, and make
of volunteers. It has branches in
a difference in our sector.
Eastern Cape, Free State, KwazuluNatal, Namibia, Western Cape and
WISA membership offering
Gauteng. WISA also has different
WISA considers its member base
technical divisions to address the
as its biggest asset, and strives
specific interests and technical
to serve them by offering regular
specialities of its members. These
seminars and conferences on a
divisions include the Anaerobic Sludge wide range of water-related and
Processes, Community Water Supply
sectoral topics. These events aim
and Sanitation, Industrial Water,
to develop members professionally
International Water Associationand to provide an opportunity for
Southern Africa, Management
knowledge sharing and professional
& Industrial Affairs, Membrane
networking. All WISA members pay
Technology, Mine Water, Process
discounted fees for all such events,
Controllers, Small Wastewater
although the non-members are also
Treatment Works, Water Distribution,
welcome to attend.

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

E N E R G Y

&

U T I L I T I E S

form on the website, and submit it to
wisa@wisa.org.za, fax it to 011 315
1258 or post it to WISA, PO Box 6011,
Halfway House 1685. We look forward
to welcoming you to the WISA family.

Upcoming events

Ouberg Waterfall, Van Rhynsdorp

Applewaite Dam , Palmiet River

Applewaite Dam power station, Palmiet River

Alexander Dam, Table Mountain

WISA hosts the largest water sector
conference biennially, with more than
2000 delegates attending. The next
biennial conference will be held at the
Cape Town ICC, in June 2018.
WISA also hosts at least 3 to 4
smaller conferences per year, through
its technical divisions, and offers
seminars and other water sector
information sessions, through its
branches, on a regular basis.
For information on events, visit the
website, subscribe to the fortnightly
electronic newsletter or send your
enquiry to events@wisa.org.za.

Contact us
Allemanskraaldam
Waterfall in the Luphephe dam
WISA has both individual and non
individual membership.

Individual membership categories
include, Student Membership,
Associate Membership, Affiliate
Membership, Academic Membership,
Full Membership, Retired Members,
Fellows, Senior Fellows and Honorary
Membership.
WISA has also registered a
professional designation, namely
Professional Process Controller, that it
is busy introducing through the water
sector. This designation accreditation
encompasses an accredited
qualification, workplace training, a code
of conduct and continuous professional
development. WISA is in the process
of developing more professional
designations for the water sector.
WISA also offers the following
categories of non-individual
membership: Patron Membership,
Company Membership, Municipal

Membership and Educational Institution
Membership .These member categories
each receive different benefits ,but
includes value added benefits like
discounts for their employees attending
WISA events, discounts on exhibiting at
WISA events, discounts for advertising
on WISA platforms, and different
numbers of their employees enjoying
most of the individual membership
benefits. These members also have the
opportunity to sponsor WISA events,
and in so doing contribute to the
development of their employees and
the water sector as a whole.
This is just an extract of the benefits
of individual and non-individual
membership. Please visit our website
at www.wisa.org.za for the full list
of benefits for each membership
category. To contact WISA, please call
our reception at 086 111 WISA (9472).
To apply for membership, please
download the membership application

You can read more about WISA or get
involved, by using the following contact
points:
Telephone: +27 11 805 3537
Email: operations@wisa.org.za for any
enquiries
Company website:
http://www.wisa.org.za/
Technical website:
http://www.ewisa.co.za/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/WISAweb

Making
Waves
for Half a Century
S.A.M.E. Group is driving South Africa’s water infrastructure
evolution, responding to the most pressing global challenges
while enriching a nation in search of sustainability
Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Donovan Smith
alk onto any wastewater the best technologies the world over,
works in South Africa
S.A.M.E. Group’s three divisions have
and there is a good
subsequently become a mainstay
chance you will see
in the nation’s overall strive for
S.A.M.E. equipment at
sustainable energy and utilities;
the head of works, some as old as 50
epitomised by the Group’s bread and
years and still in a working condition;
butter division, S.A.M.E. WATER.
the design and quality of each machine
“S.A.M.E. WATER remains the best
standing the test of time as feasible
in the industry and is able to harness
options to repair and upgrade decades both skills and passion for water in
after installation.
the services we deliver,” explains
The S.A.M.E. Group’s
Managing Director, Frank
holistic solution to
Schulz. “Our team
South African water
includes mechanical,
infrastructure
process, civil
remains ahead
and electrical
of the pack in
engineers, project
a country that
engineers and a
continues to
superior design
benefit from the
team who are
Company’s turnkey
meticulous in their
consortium offering.
approach to every
Driven by innovation
project
we commit
Frank Schulz, MD
and influences from
to; and are highly

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&

U T I L I T I E S

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S . A . M . E .

G R O U P

“When it comes to attaining
key contracts our aim is to
offer the best services at the
best possible price to still be
competitive and always make
sure we compile in all aspects
for municipal tendering”

specialised in turnkey projects and
deliver world-class quality products,
all backed by innovative design and
cutting-edge technology for the water
and wastewater industry.”
S.A.M.E. DREDGING forms the
second component of the Group’s
overall portfolio, offering specialised
solutions in the dredging domain
via a local manufacturing arm
and the provision of operator
services, operator training, dredger
maintenance, and sediment blanket
surveys.
The final strand, S.A.M.E.
MATERIALS HANDLING “specialises
in producing innovative ruggedly built
conveying equipment that is capable
of distributing, collecting, elevating,
transporting, feeding, heating, cooling,
drying and mixing a large variety of
materials”, Schulz continues. “Our
differentiator is this broad scope of
manufacturing expertise, allowing the
Company to adapt technologies and
to design and build fit-for-purpose
equipment unlike any other local
company.”
The high standards set in the
industry across the aforementioned
board is further compounded by the
strong relationships now established
with its clientele, both in affirming its
works so far, and in winning market
share and contracts in the future.
Schulz states: “We have always
made sure our after-sales services are
on point in order to keep our clients
happy. When it comes to attaining key
contracts our aim is to offer the best
services at the best possible price to
still be competitive and always make
sure we compile in all aspects for
municipal tendering.”

Walk, talk and work as experts

S.A.M.E specialises in
producing innovative
conveying equipment

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Founded in 1966 by Willi Schulz alongside Hans Adler - the name
‘Schulz’ has become as synonymous
with S.A.M.E. Group as the Company
has with the industry over the years;
evolving from its origins in the

E N E R G Y

&

U T I L I T I E S

“Clean water for future generations”

Water
is Life

Turnkey solutions for all
wastewater-treatment related
industries

20 Years of
water delivery
for social and
economic
development

www.tecroveer.co.za
info@tecroveer.co.za
+27 11 752 1191

fabrication and installation of portable
water and wastewater treatment
equipment to become an all-round
specialist ready and able to adapt to
complex African conditions.
“During the 1970s S.A.M.E.
designed and manufactured the
first bio-filter equipment in South
Africa and started manufacturing
clarifier equipment and chemical
dosing equipment,” Frank Schulz
recalls. “A deal was concluded
between S.A.M.E. and Schrage,
Germany, for the manufacture of local
screening equipment and that same
year grit removal technology was
purchased from Germany.”
Combining German efficiencies
and precision with the Company’s
local knowledge and experience,
the approach to ‘build it right the
first time’ flourished and following
an influx of more modernised
technologies, an expansion into Cape
Town in the 1990s, and the inception

“We walk, talk
and work as the
experts in our
respective fields”

of its hugely successful division for
the manufacture, sale and hire of
inland hydraulic dredging equipment;
S.A.M.E. Group as it is seen today was
shaped.
“The Company continued to
grow and developed expertise in
electrical & instrumentation and
project management,” Schulz adds.
“S.A.M.E. invested in technology
to offer solutions for mini treatment
/ package plants and equipment to
increase capacity of existing plants
that are overloaded.”
The culmination is a long-lasting
quality renowned in the sector, a
defiance to never leave a project
unfinished, the willingness to go the
extra mile to provide satisfactory
service, and the ability to adapt quickly
when it comes to learning from
mistakes and embracing the latest
innovations and technologies.
Schulz continues: “We walk, talk and
work as the experts in our respective

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G R O U P

fields. We are known by our customers
and competitors as credible subject
matter experts, and we respect one
another; recognising that our success
depends upon the commitment,
capabilities and diversity of everyone in
the organisation.”

Extending the value chain

Celebrating its landmark 50th birthday
this year, S.A.M.E. Group’s extensive
projects completed in South Africa
over the years are complemented
by numerous exports of specialist
equipment to neighbouring Namibia,
Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mauritius;
as well as to markets further afield
including Israel, Singapore, Hong Kong,
Central Europe and the US.
Building a formidable array of

116

“The diversity of
businesses among
our organisation
offers employees
a broad range of
career path options”

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strategic partners along the way, the
Company is now in a prime position to
be equally aggressive in its approach
to the future, as it looks to gain a
stronger market share in the water and
wastewater arena.
“We have already established a
satellite office in Cape Town and are in
process of setting up in Port Elizabeth,
Kwazulu Natal and our first satellite
office outside South Africa in Kenya,
Nairobi. These branches will be up and
running before March, 2017,” Schulz
notes.
Aiding sustainability within the
confines of the business is an equally
stringent commitment to personnel
development and employee
enrichment, focusing largely on
localisation before unveiling the

E N E R G Y

&

U T I L I T I E S

advantages of a refined and honed
training and development initiative.
This loyalty is consequently repaid by
the workforce to contribute towards a
high retention rate; employees safe in
the knowledge that their efforts will be
rewarded.
Schulz says: “The diversity of
businesses among our organisation
offers employees a broad range
of career path options. Employees
can advance within their functional
discipline, or progress along a path
that provides experience across a
range of functions.
“Based on performance, business
needs and personal interest, employees
can cross job functions, business
segments and geographic boundaries as
they advance within our organisation.”

“...purification is
important... with
decreasing water
supply and an
increased
population...”

And so, the organisation advances
too. And it does so with the ambition of
becoming a turnkey operator in water
sanitation and purification in mind.
Schulz concludes: “In the years
to come, the Company will be able
to respond to diverse challenges
in a world in which its clients will
expect service providers to define the
requirement and scope it, and compile
all the technologies and service
providers to address and solve it.
“The point about extending the value
chain to purification is important as, in
the future with decreasing water supply
and an increased population, South
Africa will have to reuse far more of its
processed water than it currently does,
and will have to adapt ‘grey water’ for
industrial use and even for drinking.”

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NIGERIA OIL & GAS CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

E V E N T

F O C U S

Join the conversation on the future
of Nigeria’s energy sector
THE 16TH ANNUAL Nigeria Oil &
Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition,
taking place from 27 February – 2
March 2017 in Abuja, Nigeria is
evolving alongside the Nigerian energy
sector and will expand to showcase
opportunities throughout the sector.
Don’t miss the opportunity to join the
conversation on the future of Nigeria’s
energy sector – setting the agenda for
2017.

With the support and participation
of the Ministry of Petroleum
Resources, NNPC, its subsidiaries
and the Nigerian oil & gas industry,
NOG has become a part of the
institutional framework of the industry
and has been at the forefront of
policy announcements and strategic
discussions for the last 15 years.
The Nigeria Oil & Gas International
Exhibition is a vital platform for
Nigerian SMEs and international
partners, where Nigeria Content
initiatives are planned and contracts
are established and often signed.
Initially, international players
dominated the exhibition with only
a handful of indigenous exhibitors;
indigenous players and SMEs now
make up 85 percent of the exhibiting
companies at NOG.
The Nigerian Content Seminar
provides a platform for legislators,
the NCDMB, investors and oil and gas
businesses to convene and celebrate
the Nigerian Content achievements
realised since the enactment of the
Nigeria Oil & Gas Industry Content
Development Act, discuss the
challenges that remain in Nigerian
Content implementation, explore
solutions and share case studies.

3RD

ANNUAL

AFRICAN

INSURANCE

E V E N T

FORUM

2017

F O C U S

AIF 2017 turns challenges
into opportunities
T H E I N S U R A N C E industry is facing
an uncertain, unstable and highly
complex economic and financial
environment compounded by
major regulatory and technological
changes. At the same time customer
expectations are rising year-on-year.
AIF 2017 can help you successfully
turn these challenges into new
opportunities so you can provide your
customers with the right service.
This year’s conference will draw
a broad audience of professionals
involved in the development,
operations, marketing, technology,
distribution and administration of life
insurance products. Our Speakers are
all committed to providing attendees
with the very best in research and
knowledge that will help guide
decision makers toward a more
successful future.

Come meet and network with
industry leaders who encounter and solve - the same challenges you
see every day. Learn how to gain a
competitive advantage, benchmark
your strategies, deliver a better
customer experience, and so much
more!

Fextons

Event organiser, Fextons is one of
world’s renowned leading knowledge
providers. We design and deliver
highly focused information through
publishing, Conferences, training
and market intelligence. We focus
on providing invaluable knowledge
to individuals, businesses and
organisations around the world.
Fextons was founded in 2010
and now manages more than 100
events in up to 12 countries each
year. Headquartered in India, we
are currently active in Singapore, &
the Middle East employing over 200
staff. We design and develop training
courses, conference programs and
forums intended for precisely targeted
audiences.
We help companies around the
world optimize their people and
processes, steering to outstanding
professional development and
greater business outcomes. Through
a highly positioned production
method focused on research calls
with end-users and major investors
in the industry, our team is able to
understand the current business
concerns of today’s leading
executives.

THE YEAR 1997 will always be
memorable – it’s when we hosted
the first annual Power and Electricity
World Africa conference. Terrapinn
(the organisers of the show) wanted
to play a central role in influencing the
growth of the energy sector. This first
event acted as the building block for
channelling attention and investment
as well as a guide to honing in on what
is relevant and critical for all in the
African energy sector.
This is Africa’s longest running and
largest power and energy show; an
exhibition with 7,000 attendees and a
Mecca of solution providers spanning
three halls and thousands of square
metres.
GE, Barloworld Power, Siemens,
MTU, Alstom, Voith, IBM, ABB, Mott
Macdonald, Solar World Africa, Yingley
Solar, Vestas, SMA, Arup… to name
just a few, have all leveraged Power
and Electricity World Africa as their
once-a-year opportunity to meet and

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

do business with new and existing
customers.
Billions of dollars of business has
been initiated, concluded or influenced
at this show.
What originally started as a
conference, has since expanded
exponentially into a world-class
exhibition and conference. Year-onyear, the event provides our partners
with access to more than 500 African
energy utility and IPP decision makers,
who traditionally are difficult to reach.
And most importantly, the show allows
them to meet real buyers.
We are proud to have hosted utilities
such as STEG, Eskom, Nampower,
Zesco, KenGen, Tanesco, EDM, ENE
Ethiopian Electric Power, CEET, SNEL,
Senelec, Sonabel, Nigelec, GRIDco and
many others over the years. And this
year we will welcome back in excess
of 40 African countries for the 2017
edition of the event.
It is the meeting place for buyers,
sellers and their partners to do the
deals that drive Africa’s energy sector.
This is THE place where buyers find
solutions to their challenges. Let’s
not forget that our expo presents the
largest gathering of solution providers
to the African continent.
TENS OF THOUSANDS of executives
and business leaders from across
Africa have attended the show over
the past 20 years.

Complementing the production of Africa Outlook,
Asia Outlook and Europe & Middle East Outlook
magazines, Outlook Publishingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning
in-house team is now utilising these same specialist
production skills to offer a full and bespoke range
of editorial, design and marketing services via its
new Outlook Creative Services division.
For more information on how we can work with
you in providing a plethora of completely flexible
and customisable production services, please visit
www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services